Feb 11 , 2023
By Carolyn Kissane
As I spend a great deal of time on TikTok, I admit to having learned a lot about history, religion, crafts, cooking and tech innovations in a short span, while being entertained by pranks and fun trends. Simultaneously, coming across distasteful content.
I notice some comments that literally make my skin crawl and it makes me wonder if the people responsible were actually capable of committing the things they write as comments. Likewise, I admire the recipients who fearlessly turn them around and make content to educate others.
To survive in this era of social media, one should not let negative criticism intimidate them as the trolls make it their mission to tear people down. Content creators should have thick skin.
It is wise to comprehend thy self before tarnishing other people's beliefs and to reserve opinions that are not supported by evidence. I believe the silent majority does not hold polarised feelings but the few on social media make it appear so. Being disrespectful, verbal attacks and humiliating others with dissenting voices is a flex to acquire more followers.
What happened to modesty and decency? When did society become spiteful, hurling insults as a weapon?
I believe Charles Bukowski once said, “the problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence.” For the most part, I concur.
One item that kept popping up on my page was inconsiderate people who chose disrespect instead of mature discourse. These people try to make an unfounded argument based on something they picked from somewhere but have not really validated it.
Intelligent people are reserved, they appreciate limits and boundaries. Meanwhile, the ignorant have a lot to say. We need to learn to express our ideas in a well-mannered accord. A respected teacher said fools do not have boundaries, they say whatever they want and do not know when to draw the line but intelligent people know their limits.
We must be civilised when using social media and get our messages across reverently. Being fierce about injustice does not always mean people have to use obscene language to usher in change.
The depth of ignorance is unmatched. It amuses me when people that do not realise their limitations boast. They are unaware let alone admit to the shortcomings. The Socratis saying “all I know is that I know nothing” is lost there.
There is a term in psychology called cognitive disequilibrium. According to the American Psychological Association, disequilibrium in developmental psychology is a state of tension between cognitive processes competing against each other.
If someone has been taught their entire life every red fruit is an apple, then they would associate red fruits with just an apple. If One day they find out strawberries are also red and apples come in green, they will be in shock. They immediately reject the claim but once they decide to go to a nearby store to find other red fruits and green apples, their cognitive dissonance will be resolved.
Not everyone is ready and willing to question their long-held beliefs because that would mean change which is scary.
The current generation has the courage to enquire, scrutinize and follow the path they think is right if unsatisfied with the answers. I have also noticed how people blindly follow information especially if the idea has been around for years- somehow it makes it legit. We should make a habit of questioning and investigate instead of just accepting everything we are told.
I believe everyone, (psychopaths and sociopaths) aside, have a moral compass within. We just tend to suppress it and listen to the ego instead.
PUBLISHED ON
Feb 11,2023 [ VOL
23 , NO
1189]
Sunday with Eden | Apr 11,2020
Commentaries | Sep 20,2025
Radar | Jul 06,2025
Fortune News | Jan 19,2024
Radar | Jul 06,2025
Life Matters | May 08,2021
Fortune News | Sep 21,2025
Featured | Sep 23,2023
Featured | Jan 05,2020
Life Matters | Aug 29,2020
Photo Gallery | 191124 Views | May 06,2019
Photo Gallery | 180923 Views | Apr 26,2019
Photo Gallery | 177586 Views | Oct 06,2021
My Opinion | 143217 Views | Aug 14,2021
Dec 22 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Charged with transforming colossal state-owned enterprises into modern and competitiv...
Aug 18 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Although predictable Yonas Zerihun's job in the ride-hailing service is not immune to...
Jul 28 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Unhabitual, perhaps too many, Samuel Gebreyohannes, 38, used to occasionally enjoy a couple of beers at breakfast. However, he recently swit...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Investors who rely on tractors, trucks, and field vehicles for commuting, transporting commodities, and f...
Jul 11 , 2026
At a market stall, reform arrives without a communique. It comes as a higher transpor...
Jul 4 , 2026
In the goldfields of the Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia's balance-of-paym...
Jun 27 , 2026
The federal legislative house rushed through one of the country's most contentious ho...
When Parliament takes up the appropriation bill, federal legislators will receive a d...
Jul 12 , 2026 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER
When a WhatsApp notice told about 60 households at a gated community on the outskirts...
Jul 12 , 2026 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER
The Addis Abeba City Administration has begun charging a municipal tax on every hotel...
Jul 12 , 2026 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER
Bahir Dar International Stadium is nearing completion, and the people building it say...
Jul 12 , 2026 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER
Federal regulators of the coffee sector are preparing a fund to shield growers and ex...
Loading your updates...