These days, it feels like you can’t look at a screen without being hit by a wave of bad news. It gets exhausting, doesn’t it? To protect my own peace of mind, I’ve had to make some strict rules for myself. I stopped reading the daily newspaper, except for the editorial section. I even went through my social media and blocked negative feeds, setting a strict timer so I don’t end up mindlessly scrolling my life away.
But even with all those walls up, the internet has a way of sneaking past your defenses.
The other day, I stumbled across a post that I just haven’t been able to shake off. It was written by a lady from my own state. She is a retired high school teacher, and by all accounts, she comes from a good, well-respected family. I only read two or three lines before I realized what it was and skipped past it, but the weight of her words stayed with me all day.
She was talking about a dispute between a husband and wife—complete strangers to her. What shocked me wasn't the gossip, but the language. The sheer amount of vulgarity and cheap slang she used was something I never expected from someone of her background.
It really made me stop and think. I know that after retirement, people suddenly have a lot of free time on their hands, and social media becomes a quick way to pass the hours. But I couldn't help but wonder: Why does someone with so much education, life experience, and social standing need to use such filthy language? Was it just a desperate cry for attention? For a few "likes" and comments?
As someone who loves to write and blog, I know for a fact that you don't need vulgar words to make a point. People who journal, people who write stories—we all know that you can express deep thoughts, or even disagreements, with dignity. If you are just using social media to pass the time, why not do it in a way that respects yourself and others?
When I was younger, I used to naively think that people from "upper-class" or highly educated families were just naturally more refined and intelligent. I thought it was almost in their genes. But seeing things like this has completely broken that illusion for me. True character has absolutely nothing to do with your family name or your social status. Anyone, no matter how "good" their background is supposed to be, can choose to act shamelessly crude.
The post disappointed me, but honestly, it did one good thing. It was the perfect reality check. Instead of scrolling until my daily timer went off, I closed the app right then and there.
Sometimes, when the world online gets too loud and cheap, the best thing we can do for our own sanity is to just log out and walk away.
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