Post ASGBZz72AnDcIHziUa by shelenn@nerdica.net
 (DIR) More posts by shelenn@nerdica.net
 (DIR) Post #ASGBZz72AnDcIHziUa by shelenn@nerdica.net
       2023-02-01T18:05:22Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       Greetings Carbon Units in the Fediverse!This is a note about social aspects and awareness I want to share. I am interested in the thoughts of others on this topic but at a minimum I hope it is helpful in terms of improving social experiences online.This morning I had some thoughts after reading posts from people looking for support while seeing them lashing out in frustration. How we respond and who we choose to respond to matters as much as whether we use content wrappers. It's been my observation we can and need to become aware of reasons why people use social media.As in virtual worlds, some who use social media are here to create chaos, inflict harm, or engage in fantasy or even criminal behaviors via anonymity. Others are here to pretend to be someone they are not (offline) or to have affairs etc. Both of these categories of people see using the Internet as entertainment not reality. The ones who engage in intentional harm tend to get blocked and see it as a badge of honor, another notch on an achievement track, or a way to level up in the Internet "game".Another category are people who are here to escape their own troubles and pretend to not be sick, poor, depressed, etc. They are looking for a pick-me-up, happy moments, or positive experiences taking a break from their own reality by not discussing these things about themselves or being reminded by (not) supporting others who are reaching out. It isn't intentional to not be supportive as much as it is to be supportive of themselves. Then there are those who see using social media or social virtual worlds as an extension of reality aka real life, to be social and connect with others rather than living another life. I  find these people to be the minority of people I come in contact with on most social media and in virtual worlds, but more of us are here in the Fediverse, at least in my feed intentionally. It's tough to navigate and determine who is who online. But the one thing you can do is decide who gets your attention and you have that right to decide whether it's via not spending much time online; choosing where you spend your time online; deciding who to block online; or who to respond to online. The same is true offline - no one is obligated. When we do encounter kindred souls, we should embrace them. Many of us do not reveal what we go through in life for different reasons - and there are limits in support we offer to each other for different reasons.  But know this: your presence here matters - everyone being here matters. We each decide how we matter through our interactions, our writing topics, our engagement styles, and our choices - even via choosing server instances or via moderating/administering Fediverse server instances or nodes.We don't all get it right the first time, but together we can learn from each other. When someone reaches out to welcome you to the Fediverse with tips on how to improve your reach, common practices or Fediquette aka using hashtags, content wrappers, etc. their motivation is more likely to be helpful rather than lecture or mansplain. When people share FediBlockMeta the intent is likely to be helpful to others and prevent harm not to defame - it's about raising awareness of differing terms/rules or harmful behaviors. When people post about topics they want to increase awareness of like injustices, sexism, ableism, racism, human rights, or even politics anywhere, asking them to content wrap so you don't have to read about it can be perceived as harmful or perpetuating harm by preventing awareness. It's my understanding the intent of content wrappers by developers is to prevent harm by wrapping topics that may trigger PTSD etc - not to create filters for others who have the power to curate their own feeds. It's sometimes difficult for people to decide where that fine line is and we should not see discussion as divisive. For some, when in doubt they opt to CW while others may see raising awareness as a higher priority. In the end, you decide what you post, who you follow, topics you filter, and who you block and that is totally fine! It's the essence of individual freedom. But remember everyone has those rights. Freedom of speech does not mean everyone is obligated to listen nor does it mean freedom to harm.It's been rare for me to have been asked to filter my posts for others but please do let me know if I get it wrong - I won't be offended even if I disagree. I am interested in reading other's thoughts on this post. Even if you choose to not share your thoughts, be good to yourselves and others - you matter! #Fediverse #fediquette #fediblockMeta
       
 (DIR) Post #ASGBa2NS2D8KQ4hMzw by nanook@friendica.eskimo.com
       2023-02-02T06:05:39Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       Then there are those who try to elevate themselves by analyzing and criticizing everyone else's motives.  That is somewhat psychopathic behavior but I guess it's to be expected.