In the heart of Chennai, a disturbing event unfolded at a Govt hospital, where a Chief Oncology Doctor was subjected to a horrifying assassination attempt. This shocking act of violence stemmed from the overwhelming grief and frustration of a man, whose mother, battling stage 4 cancer, did not improve despite the medical treatments she received under this doctor's care.
This personal tragedy unfortunately spiralled into a public spectacle almost overnight, fuelled by the ever-churning gears of social media and sensational journalism.
The Viral Spiral of Judgment
As soon as the incident hit the news, it attracted a swarm of media and viral content creators to the culprit's doorstep, not to report with sensitivity and accuracy, but to sensationalize the pain and fan the flames of public sentiment. The onslaught of coverage quickly devolved into a blame game, with many pointing fingers at the doctor.
Despite the panic created by the culprit and the real time video followed which showed him coming out of the hospital holding onto the knife after committing the crime he was suddenly seen with a sense of forgiveness. Whereas questions were raised on the doctor who inspite of giving the treatment to a lady in her final stages of cancer had to face the wrath of the situation both from her son and the blind followers of the sensational media.
Online Judgement and Disguised Comments
With the world getting addicted to the social media and its tricks, it was natural for a mind trainer for me to study the logic behind the reasons. While social media addiction is a bigger subject to deal in a single blog, I wanted to research a little on the comments part , especially the ones where someone comments as a stranger for the post or the news.
Commenting on social media, whether to a friend or a stranger, are two different aspects of our social behavior. When we comment on a friend's post, it’s often an extension of our existing relationship. We’re likely to be more supportive, positive, or playful, reflecting our real-world interactions.
With strangers, however, our comments can be bolder, sometimes harsher. We feel less accountable, as the social repercussions are minimal. This anonymity liberates some, leading to more extreme expressions of opinion, for better or worse.
Why Comments matter?
In today's world, social media comments have become a part of everyday life that we just can't avoid. More than ever, these comments shape how we see the world. It's not just about posting and sharing; it's also about what people say in the comments. Sometimes, people are more interested in reading the comments than the post itself. This shows how much we value others' opinions.
When we scroll through comments, we're stepping into a world full of judgments. It's like opening a book where every turn of the page reveals what someone else thinks. This influences us a lot. Even if we don't realize it, we start to see things through the eyes of others. Whether it's a product review or a news article, the comments can sway our opinion more than the original post.
This shows that, even in modern times, we are deeply influenced by what others think. Our actions and choices are often reflections of this. It’s also a form of social validation; seeing others react helps gauge the community's norms and values.
Comments can affirm our beliefs or challenge them, prompting reflection or, at times, a change in perspective. Comments on social media are powerful, and they continue to shape our thoughts and decisions in ways we might not even notice.
The Psychology of Online Comments
The psychology of commenting on social media reveals deep insights into human behavior, communication, and social interaction in the digital age. These comments serve as a bustling marketplace of ideas, opinions, and emotions.
Why Not Everyone Comments
Risk of Negative Feedback: Many users hesitate to comment due to fear of backlash or negative feedback. Social media can be unforgiving, and the anxiety of being criticized publicly can deter individuals from participating.
Lurking Preference: Some users prefer to observe rather than interact. They use social media for information and entertainment, not engagement. These users often feel they gain more by reading others’ comments and posts without adding their own voices into the mix.
Perceived Insignificance: A feeling of insignificance can also play a role. Some individuals believe their comments will not be noticed or make any significant impact, especially on posts that already have a high volume of engagement.
Time Constraints: Commenting can be time-consuming. Users who view social media in short bursts may not have or take the time to craft responses, preferring instead to browse silently.
Why Only Few Comments, and Often Repeatedly
The minority of users who frequently comment on posts often do so because they possess strong opinions and a desire to express themselves. Several factors contribute to this behaviour
High Emotional Involvement: Users who are highly emotionally invested in topics or have had personal experiences related to the content are more likely to comment. This emotional trigger is a powerful motivator for interaction.
Desire for Influence and Recognition: Some commenters are driven by a desire for recognition and validation from their peers or the broader community. They see commenting as a way to establish a presence or exert influence within a social media community.
Community Building: Regular commenters often feel a sense of belonging to the digital community. Their frequent contributions help in shaping the community’s culture and dialogue, reinforcing their continued participation.
Why do so many choose to comment negatively?
Anonymity and Deindividuation: Social media platforms provide a level of anonymity that can lead to deindividuation, where individuals lose self-awareness and their sense of social identity blends with the group. This can embolden users, sometimes resulting in aggressive or hateful comments without the fear of real-world repercussions.
Echo Chambers: Social media algorithms often create echo chambers by showing users content that aligns with their views. This can validate and radicalize their opinions, leading to extreme expressions in the comments, including hate speech.
Visibility and Engagement: Negative comments often receive more attention and engagement than positive ones. This visibility can encourage hate spreaders who thrive on the reactions their comments provoke.
Why the Good ones are mostly silent?
Well-wishers, who often represent the silent majority, typically engage less frequently. They may leave supportive comments or likes but are generally less vocal. Their interactions are motivated by a desire to show support or appreciation without engaging in conflict.
They avoid the confrontational dynamics that can characterize comment sections, reflecting a more cautious approach to online interaction. This silence allows the louder minority to dominate discussions, which can distort public perceptions and contribute to a toxic online culture.
Comments as Modern-Day Communication
In our increasingly isolated lives, comments become a form of reaching out, a way to touch base with a broader reality. This has given rise to phenomena like 'paid comments,' akin to paid reviews, where the authenticity of engagement is commodified. It reflects a desire to shape narratives or endorse ideas, highlighting how integral and influential comments have become in our digital dialogues.
Exposing Vices: The Bitterness Behind the Comments
Comment of a person reveals more than just opinions on the content itself; it often shows the commenters' personal biases, beliefs, and even their emotional states. When a person chooses to comment on social media, they inadvertently hold up a mirror to their inner world.
When people unleash harsh words in the comment sections, they often reveal more about themselves than the subjects of their scorn. Each negative comment becomes a window into their discontent, a public display of their personal frustrations.
Unmasking Our True Selves via our comments
Expression of Beliefs and Values: Imagine you're at a lively party, and every corner of the room buzzes with different conversations on topics from the latest political scandal to the newest diet trend. The comments you choose to make at this party are driven by what matters most to you. Similarly, on social media, whether you're applauding an initiative or critiquing a policy, your comments lay bare your core values and principles for the world to see.
Emotional Echoes: Comments are often spontaneous, less filtered reactions that capture our feelings in real-time. A sharp, sarcastic comment might hint at a rough day, while a string of smiley faces could show you're in high spirits. For instance, someone who consistently leaves positive comments on friends' posts may be nurturing their relationships, aware that a few kind words can brighten someone's day.
Peering Into the Mind
Projection: It's like standing in front of a mirror but instead of seeing your reflection, you see your hidden fears and desires projected onto someone else's image. When we lash out at a post about workplace stress, are we just venting our own frustrations about our job? Each comment can serve as a vent, releasing pent-up emotions we hesitate to express elsewhere.
Seeking Validation: Who doesn't like a pat on the back? Every "like" and reply to our comments can feel like mini affirmations of our worth and opinions. In a world where these digital nods can feel as rewarding as real-life accolades, many of us are drawn to comment in hopes of capturing that little rush of validation.
Navigating Social Terrain
Belonging and Conformity: Just as wolves travel in packs, we gravitate towards groups that share our interests and ideologies. Within these groups, our comments often echo the collective voice. You might notice this when eco-conscious friends rally around a post criticizing plastic use, each adding their own voice to a chorus of shared values.
Power Plays: Social media can sometimes feel like a modern coliseum, where words are the weapons. Dominant comments can assert power, much like a lion's roar claims territory. Conversely, more agreeable or passive comments might reflect an attempt to maintain peace or avoid conflict, like a dove in flight.
Cognitive Mirrors
Depth of Thought: Our comments can either skim the surface or dive deep. Thoughtful insights might suggest a mind that loves to wrestle with complex ideas, akin to a philosopher in deep contemplation. On the flip side, superficial comments might hint at a passerby glancing at reflections in a shop window—interested but not invested.
Bias Revealed: Ever notice how two people can see the same post and react in utterly different ways? That's our personal biases at play, coloring our perceptions and responses. If someone always comments in favor of a particular political figure, it might show a loyalty that overlooks flaws, much like a fan who cheers for their team win or lose.
Emotions in Pixels
Incorporating real-life examples, imagine a scenario where someone comments aggressively on a video about a social issue. This might not just be an expression of disagreement but a release of pent-up frustration from personal experiences linked to the issue. Their emotional intensity is not just about the content but a release of their personal story.
Opportunities like the unfortunate incident with the doctor become a platform for them to vent their bitterness. Our comments are more than just words; they are windows into our souls, showcasing our joys, fears, biases, and desires. Recognizing this can transform our interactions from mundane exchanges to meaningful dialogues, enriching our digital experience and deepening our understanding of ourselves and each other.
The Futility of Engaging with Negativity
For public figures, from doctors to celebrities, engaging with these negative comments can be a losing battle. It diverts their attention from productive endeavours to defending personal reputations.
An example of this is seen in the case of a Kannada film star, whose career took a nosedive and is now behind the bar. Such instances show that paying too much attention to online criticism can be detrimental, regardless of one's innocence or guilt.
Why Silence Might Be Golden
Responding to every critic or trying to correct every misconception is not only exhausting but often fruitless. The cycle of negative commentary can overshadow meaningful discussions and deter professionals from their duties.
It's crucial to recognize that behind the screen lies a person, often dealing with their complexities and challenges, deserving of privacy and respect.
Conclusion: Choosing Peace Over Judgment
In our digital age, where everyone can be a critic, perhaps the most powerful stand we can take is to not engage in spreading negativity. Let's aim to support those in need with compassion rather than jump to conclusions.
After all, in a world loud with judgments, sometimes the most profound statement is a supportive silence. Let's reserve our comments, foster understanding, and promote a more thoughtful and considerate online environment.
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