Monica Lewinsky- The Price of Shame

This TED Talk was incredible, especially coming from a public figure like Monica Lewinsky. 

Social media has desensitized us because it is so available, frames what we look at and filters we are able to know. As Monica Lewinsky said, “I was seen by many, but actually known by few.” There is no such thing as a privacy anymore because you are seen on a worldwide scale. With cruel stories such as scandals, affairs, and slut shaming a commodity to our public, we begin to see this as the norm rather than a rare incident. The media feeds off of what we as a society pay attention to the most and when millions of people habitually click on cruel and humiliating stories not only does that individual’s reputation become more and more in danger, but the media will consistently report this stories in order to make money.  

Compassion can displace shame in social media by understanding that everyone is going to have an opinion and that you don’t have to fight fire with fire. You can take the initiative to post something positive and not allow your anonymity make you into something that you’re not. Instead of jumping to conclusions or judging others by their comments, listen and try to understand where they are coming from to gain perspective before just speaking your two-sense.

I am prepared to actually pay attention to incivility online. I am an outsider when I comes to reading comments or even posting regularly. I want to understand why people say what they say and not make snap judgments based on their post. I want to make a more positive appearance on other’s posts because every kind word or comment can make a difference for someone, even make their day just a little bit happier. Also, reporting cyber bullying can help someone too. To know that the power of anonymity can destroy or hurt someone’s feelings to a breaking point should not go unnoticed or unattended. Being positive as possible can do wonders for someone. I want to be that person.