Deutsch
English
You might have noticed I've been out of commission for a couple of weeks. I had broken my ankle at a classical music concert and was facing a long recovery period, aside from surgery. Dull times, some of which I naturally spent online digging through social networks. After two days with Facebook, and on pain medicine, I kept asking myself why people couldn't just shut up for once.
A moorland was on fire in my vicinity and smoke blew over multiple cities, darkening the skies. Of course, there was ample outrage among Facebook commenters (a weapons test had been botched) and I could totally understand them. But there were also many who criticized the less than successful efforts by local firefighters to put out the flames. To be clear, I don't think I'm dumb, yet I have no idea how to extinguish a moor fire. We didn't talk about that in school and I don't come from a family of passionate moorland firefighters. And I didn't feel like the others knew more than I did, yet the outrageous comments kept coming by the minute. But why? Do we have to comment on everything these days just to avoid being considered indifferent or opinionless?
I'll admit it, I have a major weakness: the world economy and its mechanisms. I know it matters and what the repercussions are but I have little motivation to delve further into the subject. Every now and then, I look at smaller parts but I seldom get the whole picture - I just can't seem to warm up to the topic. Shame on me! What happens when someone raises interests and how this will affect the stock market? I don't know and I'm positive many feel the same way. That's why I rarely write about these things, because I'm not qualified. Still, there's no shortage of people who constantly broadcast their opinions on these matters. People who have barely mastered basic arithmetic it seems. How did we approach issues that were beyond our understanding in the old days? You couldn't just show up at a farmers' market and sound off your personal views on current education policies. So how did we manage to make our voices heard?
Noteworthy opinions require thinking through
Theoretically and with the help of the internet, we have all the information we need to understand the world in all its facets, but can or should we really? Not too long ago, you had to pore over home encyclopedias or visit the local library to gain access to more knowledge. Today, you can do the same in the bathroom whenever you feel overpowered in a discussion, thanks to Google. We have the knowledge of the world at our fingertips, but does that turn us into omniscient beings? On November 14, 1716, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, considered by many to be the last universal genius, passed away. An erudite scholar in all aspects of life, he was a living encyclopedia of his time. Today, that would be impossible. These days, being able to name all 50 US states is enough to impress people at a party. So what would be more natural than to admit to one's own limitations? As the world grows more complex, knowing everything has become an impossible goal. And yet, the prompt urge to add one's two cents to everything still abounds. What nonsense!
Take free jazz. To me, this genre sounds like a tonal bar brawl and I can't seem to take a liking to it. Reason enough to stomp it to bits online? Hardly! Since I'm not one to believe skilled technicians and composers are simply having a laugh at our expense, I'll refrain from further commenting. After all, I wouldn't dare comment on languages I don't understand. Let them keep blowing their horns and revel in the wildest of drum patterns amidst the atonality of their work - none of my business, none of my concerns! The same applies to neo-classical music that, to me, often sounds like an orchestra suffering from spontaneous convulsions. I don't have to like it but there's no need to become upset about it either. Let others with more insight be the judge. It's a fairly liberal stance in the true spirit of tolerance, tolerance being Latin for "endure" - no delight to be found here!
Fried egg or the sun? Modern art for sure
When one of my friends recently visited a gallery of modern art, he was barely responsive afterwards. Too many "blotted" paintings, as he called them, that had spoiled his mood. He felt personally insulted by what he considered neither art nor worthy of being placed in a museum. Naturally, he had to tell everyone online and accused the gallery of fooling visitors and betraying "true" art (whatever that is supposed to mean, he has a fake Picasso in his living room). The shitstorm that followed saw an indignant mob demanding to know how he, a layman, dared to comment on this subject. I visited the same gallery, learned just as much, or little, and found it rather amusing. It was either an ingenious plot to sell poppycock dressed up as art (which I don't believe) or a lack of knowledge and imagination on my part that kept me from fully appreciating the works. In any case, their goulash soup was excellent and sent me on my way in merry spirits. I felt absolutely no need to share my views on the internet that day.
Don't get me wrong, if anything, I'm an avid opponent of societies governed by a lack of communication and indifference. And I consider it my civic duty to know my way around specific political and social topics. But does the unreflected spouting of opinions on just about everything really help? I wonder what triggers this reflex. Is it a craving for recognition and reaction? Do these people feel unheard? The consequences are devastating: Even minuscule matters of local politics lead to (over)heated debates frequently marked by the total absence of facts. Is that what Facebook had in mind when they wanted to "connect" people? Unlikely. One discussion about crosswalks got so out of hand it had to be shut down. I didn't participate, by the way, as I had nothing smart to contribute and rather enjoyed the sunset glow through my window.
What I would like to know: Are you one of those fervent online commenters or do you take a more relaxed stance?
Well of course you know how dangerous those classical music concerts can be! Next time seek the proven safety of the mosh pit!
Well considered opinion in the age when everyone is right and everyone else is therefore wrong.
Take it easy on your ankle until it is fully healed.
I'm a member of a couple of forums about the football team I support. I have only posted two or three times on each - when I have something to say that may be of interest to others. Any responses that disagree with me invariably say you've only made "x" number of posts, therefore you're talking rubbish!
Another thing about media in general that tells me facts are a little dubious or thin on the ground is the statement "the majority of (usually self-appointed) experts THINK....."
Hope you're better soon Sven. Looking forward to your next article.
No comment... ;-)
First I want to send you all my best wishes of good health and fast recovery; you are my favourite blogger because everything you write is full of Common Sense and a kind of Modesty.With these you got me!
Back to the subject, I think both qualities above can make a cleaner environment on social media.
Regarding myself, I try to be heard only on matters who are really important and affect large number of people (in fact, my highest on line activity was after Fukushima event).
All the best Sven and don't forget to smile because you don't deserve to be modest for your nice work here!
Thank you very much from Sven :) So far he´s well and he comes back in a few days.
Take care, Mel from Ashampoo
Firstly get well soon!
A very good article and correct in my opinion. I also am tired of opinion pieces in the paper, television and internet that are often not correct or in line with the established principled of science and economics. I have never been impressed by ten second experts. An organisation I am a member of has moved to Facebook for all meeting information etc. I did not realize there were so many people who spend so much time criticizing others. Where do all these angry people come from?
At least when I log into the Ashampoo blog I read comments from interesting people and I learn things.
Peter Worrall. I think it goes more like "it's better to seem like a fool, appear like a fool, or similar" than remain ha ha ha. With all due respect. But I get the gist of it.
As an avid photographer I used to belong to several forums on that subject. Now I frequent none as discussions always seemed to descend into slanging matches often becoming personal. I don't belong to Facebook, Twitter or any of the other so-called "social media". The internet has many uses but sensible discussion doesn't seem to be one of them, (except on Svens blog of course).
Commiserations on your injury Sven, I hope that you are fully recovered soon.
Hi Eric,
thanks for your comment. Sven is on the mend. He still needs two days vacation and then he is fit again. Best, Mel from Ashampoo
A closed mouth gathers no foot!
I agree !!!!!!!!! It is far better to remain a fool. than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!!!!
Hi Sven, thoughtful article ( or is that food for thought ??)
Reminds me of the old saying ?, "If I want your opinion, I'll ask for it "
Hi Sven,
Firstly, glad to hear you are on the mend - a broken ankle sounds very painful and quite debilitating.
I decided early on not to join Facebook or other social media, not least on the basis that I can't for the life of me imagine that anyone would be interested in what I do and perhaps only occassional on what my opinions are, and if I'm interested in other people's opinions, I'd prefere to sit down with them and discuss the issue over a coffee - so perhaps I'm not qualified to comment here... but I will anyway :)
I very much agree that it seems pointless to rant about something you know little about. It also seems very odd and lacking in self-discipline to do so.
I may not like the smoke from a fire but why rant about the efforts of others if I'm not prepared to do something myself? Unfortunately, a similar problem seems to also infect our news media who are driven by commercial interests to say something about an event even when they clearly don't know the facts - who knew that there is always precisely 30 minutes of news to report every night regardless of what goes on in the world!
And regarding economics - I know something on the subject and I suggest that any expert in the field who was being honest would admit they can't really accurately predict the outcomes of even simple changes - the interactions are just too complex to achieve anthing other than broad expectations (put interest rates up enough and you'll crash the economy, but what is enough?). This is why central banks routinely fail to stop disruptive events such as booms and busts.
When people type comments with the CAPS lock key on I tend to depart quickly. We have a number of hot topics happening here in Canada. I tend to shut down nasty comments by replying with a positive one. The world population in 1980 was close to 4 billion. Since then 7.4 billion people are able to communicate with the Internet. Has anything really changed Sven? Rest up and have a great weekend.
In 1775 Charles Dickens wrote "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.."
The lady in the first picture looks like she is going to bite off the other lady's ear. :)
LOL
This couldn't have come at a better time. This is how I am feeling today. I don't really want to know what people's opinions are anymore, online or in real life! I used to do what debcal1946 does but got tired of it. Now I just let them profess their ignorance.
How did you manage to break your ankle while listening to a classical music concert?
Hi Sven,
As I am off the Grid, No Social Media whatsoever to influence my thoughts, I totally agree with your perspective. Coming from another Generation, I don't understand people's need to be acknowledged as that in itself justifies their existence, It's very sad to witness this anger and hate which seems to permeate every aspect of our society. What happened to Civility and Tolerance? Oh!
that's been removed from the Dictionary.it's been replaced by 'Melife'. [ life is all about me]. Thank you for your insight, very refreshing.
Well put Sven. I object to the vulgar expression of some people too. When they are angry about something/someone the use of vulgar language online is unacceptable. Even the Facebook rules say so.
Hope your ankle heals quickly.
I agree with the corrospondent that said better to be a silent fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt. (Applies to social media pens too)).
Some of my connections on Facebook have shared beautiful photos and comments during world travel. In this social media is great. However i agree with your comments on the missuse.
I dropped ol Facebook as my initial attempt to cut back on being exposed to such varied negativity ..and, dare I say it, Fake Information. For a while I had engaged in giving my opinion on this and that and even expressed indignation and rather strong upset too.. Until I realized that this was definitely not making my life better and on my own, handle things considerably different than the bash & defend feeling that seemed more a digital bar brawl so much of the time.. But, after a while, out of probably what would have to be termed morbid curiosity, I thought maybe Twitter would be less "fill in the blank" and Wow.. did that apple cart tip over fast too. So, closed that one as well.
For myself, I'd rather get my news from less-interactive sources that I didn't have to do quite so much research to validate. I closed off a couple more accounts I had at sites that were more apt to hostility and now only occassionally visit a site or two but, mainly stick to sources without attending to comments generally.. unless I want to throw in a bit or peek at what others have said.
There's no urge to reopen any of the accounts I closed over the last year or so. The regular sources have over-filled their shores now and I hope the flood of it all will subside into considered, informed communication where needed and sanity return to the mainstream again. Yeah, I'm not holding my breath too much just yet on that though.
If I don't want an ulcer, its best (for me) to keep out of the fray and back from the river's edge that consumes any who get too close in the digital stream. And, like Sven mentions.. I don't think it's all my business or responsibility to know, judge, holler, jump & shout about either. Well, not about absolutely everything that happens to go downriver and especially not just because it's there and taunting.
I continue to enjoy this blog and the articles & viewpoints I find here. Thanks, very much, btw.
Cheers All.!
~Myr
.end.trans.
Sven,
Silence is a good thing but I don't think that with long ago advent of social media it will ever be in the forefront again. Too bad.
Criticizing local fire fighters---not a good thing if you don't know that they are doing. I am assuming a moorland fire is rather like a bog fire. Those I have fought and the biggest problem is that the little buggers tend to go underground and can smolder basically forever. Tough job. Hope you recover.
It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and erase all doubt.
Thank you! I'm on the mend now.
Sven: I am the more relaxed type. If you do ask me a question on which I have knowledge I will probably make you sorry you asked.
As an aside, as a former Classical musician, how in the world did you break your ankle. Dancin' to the music, or did Carmina Burana get to violent? :) Inquiring minds need to know.
Take care and I hope your ankle heals perfectly.
It was an open air concert ( Dvořák, Gershwin, Mozart, Bartholdy) and I stumbled in the dark. Embarrassing. :)
Very good.
Get well. Broken bones are no fun. There is little one can do to speed healing, but a lot that can slow it. So follow doctor's orders and take it easy.
As I age, I feel less and less compelled to offer my views. When I do, I like to call my comments "homeopathic opinions." That is, they don't change anything, but they make me feel better.
As was already commented; you asked. Since my opinion is about the only thing I feel truly qualified to comment on, thank you for the invitation. I have no active accounts on (anti)social media, save an idle Twitter account I signed up for when one of my group had a problem there. I am somewhat active in the online defense and recovery front for some folks mostly around my age (over 75), but will not sign up even for educational or instructional purposes when the usefulness is more negative than positive. Many quotes come to mind regarding exchanges of ignorance and arguing with idiots, but even there I cannot claim expertise enough to use them. Thank you for a well phrased expression of what I hope is a widespread if silent attitude. Best wishes for full recovery of the ankle, and years to lament/celebrate the (mis)fortunes of aging.
I have a pet peeve about social media. It is the passing on of foolish, unchecked stories that often result in "screaming" matches. When I get one passed on to me, I go to SNOPES.com and check it out. If I find it is untrue (funny, all of them have proved untrue) I copy the pertinent part of the article and respond to the sender with an admonishment to check things out BEFORE forwarding them. If only people would just use their apparently uncommon common sense!
"What I would like to know: Are you one of those fervent online commenters or do you take a more relaxed stance?"
Hi Sven :-)
For what it's worth- I do agree with what I understood from your comments- less is more & if it's "just an opinion" when one isn't really asked for, then it's just that, an opinion- but if no one asked, the kinder thing to do is to not share that opinion. The world could use less opinions and more kind words if something needs to be said at all...
I rarely if ever comment on articles for the very reasons you've mentioned above and as Mom would say, "if you can't say something nice, don't say it at all", it still holds true. Yet, I felt compelled, of sorts, to respond to your question, because I think often about this very subject and... you asked :-)
That said,
I hope the ankle heals quickly!
Cheers :-)
I do not inhabit -facebook-twitter- Youtube etc but I do inhabit a UK help website helping people with their problems of domestic equipment- law-society-regulations-politics and much more including online safety . I am extremely opinionated you have to be to express an opinion on many subjects . I am afraid I am not the "lassez faire " type of person you are talking about as I don't have that type of personality- passionate -provocative-intense-delving deep into why there is so much suffering in this world and so many wars which is easy to answer. What you are talking about Sven is people socializing, its been like that since the Stone-age - Group Therapy , if you will , it wont change and that's why the social media owners are $Billionaires.