Reflection 5: Anti-Social Behavior—Why is Social Media So Mean? (Pathway 2 Only)

An unfortunate side effect of social media has been the proliferation of bad behavior online. Rudeness, trolling, aggressiveness, ridicule, and harassment are only a few of the byproducts of an easily anonymous and increasingly impersonal online culture. While it's tempting (and sometimes even cathartic) to laugh off a lot of the Internet's nastiness, we can't deny that words, even those online, can hurt people. For teens, who often bare the brunt of social media harassment, the results can even be fatal. Most, if not all, of the most popular social media sites routinely devolve into spite and cynicism, particularly in their comments sections. Meanwhile, for some online communities, such as Gab, the nastiness is the point. What is the source of all this negativity? Is there a way for social media sites to be kind and respectful places again? Finally, how would you evaluate your own behavior online?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion: 

• "Is Social Media Making Us Ruder" (Psychology Today)
• "Why Do People Really Post Mean Comments Online? The Experts Explain" (Hello!)
• "Study Finds Angry People More Likely to be Noticed Online" (TRTWorld)
  
• "Why Trolls Aren't Like The Rest of Us" (The Atlantic)
  
• "Twelve Ways to be a More Positive Person on Social Media" (Hello!) 

Requirements:

• MLA Style, plus Works Cited
  
• ≈ 500 words (2 pages)  

Due: Sun. 12. 8 (via Canvas)