The internet is a wonderful thing. The internet is a horrible thing.
I am a nobody guy with access to a computer that is connected to the internet, and therefore I have the power to create a blog that will go out into the world where anyone can look at it. That is power.
I can sit alone behind my laptop and spout whatever crosses my mind and offer my opinion about anything with no consequence whatsoever as long as I don't point out anyone and make false/libelous/defamatory statements about them. That is dangerous.
It is the beauty and the ugly hunch-back of the internet and the blogosphere. I can say whatever I want. I can sound like a complete jerk. I can sound like something that I am not. Most of the people who read this won't know the difference.
What I find is that a lot of times, people post things on facebook, twitter or a blog that they would never say in real life situations or face-to-face with another person. It's so easy to throw around opinions and arrogant words behind the computer. There is a giddy rush of adrenaline knowing that something is inflammatory or hard.
But that is really irresponsible and damaging to character. I've done it. I've been harmed because of it. My character has been permanently damaged in some peoples' eyes because I was careless and arrogant on the internet. I have permanently damaged others.
It's painful, but Uncle Ben was right. With this great power, the power of the internet, there is a burden of responsibility and there is a real danger of being the "totally different" person that we all know. I don't want that to be me.
That's the view through my green-tinted glasses.
No comments:
Post a Comment