Social media can be a great and powerful tool for good.
That is not often acknowledged or highlighted but it is undeniably true. When people have fallen on hard times, social media has allowed communities to rally behind them.
To highlight positive public education campaigns like ours it is incredibly invaluable.
And it can be a vital means to stay connected for those who are isolated or housebound.
However, as we all know, it can also be a terribly damaging platform and hotbed for misinformation.
One that can, in thoughtless or unkind hands, devastate lives, businesses, careers, self esteem and relationships.
For this reason, we launched a social media campaign this year titled ‘Words Can Wound’.
It is a reminder to all of us to stop and think before we post.We can all get swept up in the emotion and upset when we read about controversial topics, but too often, we don’t pause before posting or sharing.
Many times, words posted in such haste can hurt.
We never know what personal battles someone reading our words may be facing.
Those few words on social media could further wound during a vulnerable time and that’s why we all need to do our bit to make this realm a kinder place to be.
Let’s be wiser and let’s get all the benefits we can out of social media.
Let’s reach out when we are sad, let’s show others we care, let’s highlight injustices using facts and let’s promote positive communications.
Let’s create a ripple effect of kindness from here in Bunbury and watch it grow.
While we may not be able to get through to the trolls and those with malicious intentions, we can all work together to make a difference and to encourage those around us to do the same.
It is important to remember that the majority of people in our community are good-hearted and, while it may not always feel like it, that too is reflected on social media if we scratch the surface.
So please, stop and think before you post or share.
Always ask yourself is it true, is it kind, is it necessary?
To show your support share our #chooserespect hashtag and our posts on Choose Respect Bunbury.
Bunbury Choose Respect Team
