I’m not being funny but… let’s go back to posting pictures of our dogs on social media. I’m of course kidding — Instagram has played a huge part in my life and career these past few years.
During Covid especially, I understood what joy the platform could give to people, even if it was just for a moment. Part of my staple diet is posting memes. They could be stupid, funny, meaningful, “thoughts of the day”, live sets. The amount of content I’ve churned out or stolen and reposted is proof of that. I mean nobody needs to post 24-something thousand times on Instagram.
While I’m known to speak my mind in real life, I also understand that Instagram specifically is a good place to keep things light-hearted. Of course I’ve taken the odd jibe at the Government or had a rant about one thing or another but I feel like I’ve generally kept my account neutral — something for everyone to enjoy. That’s why I am enraged when c***s decide to make assumptions or insanely inappropriate comments where it’s not their place.
No matter what you post, as long as it has even a hint of an opinion, you have keyboard warriors spewing absolute hate and vitriol. Hell, people even comment and create opinions if you say nothing at all. We have really forgotten about the art of being punched in the face for saying asshole things. That’s what I’m talking about today…
One thing or another has turned a lot of people against each other, it’s turned a lot of us inwards
The latest thing to make the rounds is the Princess of Wales controversy. Idiot conspiracy theorists were claiming she’s dead, or that she’s been replaced with a body double, some people were even saying she’s had a Brazilian butt lift.
Now I know most of those sharing this “information” do so as a joke, but the problem is that just adds fuel to the fire. I’m not talking about the light-hearted responses to “Photoshopgate”, it’s the deeper conspiracies that can be dangerous. You do realise Kate has a phone right? That she’s a human just like the rest of us?
Can you imagine how it must make the princess feel to see all these insane theories, especially now that she’s come out about her cancer diagnosis. We don’t need to necessarily be nurturing with public figures, but if you’ve got nothing good to say then why don’t you just shut the f*** up? Can’t believe I’m saying this but we live in a time where there are more flat-earthers than there were during the Dark Ages. There are people out there who think they know more about the laws of gravity than Brian Cox and others who think there’s a secret cabal of lizard people ruling the world. This is all just so toxic. We’re a sad generation with happy pictures. Can we just take a moment? I mean it — just take a moment before engaging if you know what you’re about to say can hurt.
I get that there have been some earth-shattering shifts these past few years. One thing or another has turned a lot of people against each other, it’s turned a lot of us inwards. Real communication feels like it’s at an all-time low and so we end up busying our minds however we can.
Some of us feel more comfortable at home than going out as we used to, others feel better when they make ugly comments on socials, and then on the far end there’s those that simply don’t want to believe anything in life is factual anymore, including life itself (sim believers, I see you).
Can we just stop that? Social media was created for the sake of connecting people and allowing us to share our stories so we can feel closer to one another. A few weeks ago, I said that we need to all go out more and be more sociable. Let’s make these the roaring Twenties like we so desperately wanted after Covid. Remember those times? Those few months after everything opened back up? It was a good time, it was liberating.
We may not always share the same opinions but instead of calling people names let’s have constructive conversations online and in person. It’s called “free speech”, not “free spite”.
Use your platform, however big or small it may be to have meaningful dialogue, not just rants or accusations. Stand for what you believe in but don’t be a dick about it. Be mindful and be present. Big love always. See You Next Wednesday.
Track of the week: Spencer Morales — Mainline (DJ Spen Remix)
Fat Tony is a DJ and best-selling author