That is an interesting question. If I were to run a Twitter poll on this, 90% of people would say no—you shouldn’t care what people think. Everyone likes to say that they don’t care what other people think. But I can say one thing for sure—those 90% of people
My wife bought the Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck and I couldn’t read it. There was nothing in there for me to learn apparently. But its popularity made me realize a lot of folks do get caught up in it. But as you point out, reality isn’t always black and white. Of course I care what people think of me. But typically only those that I care about. And only if they’re right (in my weighing of things). My goal in life to is to be roasted, absolutely flayed. There’s strength to be found in self deprecation. Surrendering engenders context growth and there’s strength that comes with it. Anyhoo, totes made this about myself. I enjoyed the writing. Once again, it’s an entertaining thought piece.
Great article! Unfortunately, the statement “Most people will never have this experience of someone shitting on you online, …” is probably no longer true. There are haters everywhere. My grandmother’s statement “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all” was definitely not learned by these internet trolls. It’s not just people who write about finance or politics that are affected, but even when posting in hobby and interest groups the haters can ruin a “fragile” persons day. (I like to pronounce “anti fragile” as “anti frageelay”, courtesy of The Christmas Story, since it makes me smile and helps me to forget the haters posts.)
One of the most important life lessons is learning about whose opinions to give a shit.
Social Media has, unfortunately, given a metaphorical megaphone to those whom you would otherwise avoid, such as the delirious smackhead on the subway carriage.
JD is right in observing that there is a considerable swathe of reasonable people who fear participating in open debate because the opprobrium from trolls is just too hurtful.
Killer article and approach. That 'fear' is in everyone...and it can be crippling. Not just in internet/social media wars, but across the full spectrum of our lives. It's nearly impossible to lead a fulfilled life muting ourselves or pretending to be someone else. Appreciate the perspective and wisdom laid out here.
Jared, this was brilliant writing. I've followed your style from the shadows, just posting now and no longer concerned that someone would troll my comment. Thanks for posting what so many are thinking.
My wife bought the Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck and I couldn’t read it. There was nothing in there for me to learn apparently. But its popularity made me realize a lot of folks do get caught up in it. But as you point out, reality isn’t always black and white. Of course I care what people think of me. But typically only those that I care about. And only if they’re right (in my weighing of things). My goal in life to is to be roasted, absolutely flayed. There’s strength to be found in self deprecation. Surrendering engenders context growth and there’s strength that comes with it. Anyhoo, totes made this about myself. I enjoyed the writing. Once again, it’s an entertaining thought piece.
“You can peep at the comments, but don't fall for that” - Nas
Great article! Unfortunately, the statement “Most people will never have this experience of someone shitting on you online, …” is probably no longer true. There are haters everywhere. My grandmother’s statement “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all” was definitely not learned by these internet trolls. It’s not just people who write about finance or politics that are affected, but even when posting in hobby and interest groups the haters can ruin a “fragile” persons day. (I like to pronounce “anti fragile” as “anti frageelay”, courtesy of The Christmas Story, since it makes me smile and helps me to forget the haters posts.)
One of the most important life lessons is learning about whose opinions to give a shit.
Social Media has, unfortunately, given a metaphorical megaphone to those whom you would otherwise avoid, such as the delirious smackhead on the subway carriage.
JD is right in observing that there is a considerable swathe of reasonable people who fear participating in open debate because the opprobrium from trolls is just too hurtful.
Killer article and approach. That 'fear' is in everyone...and it can be crippling. Not just in internet/social media wars, but across the full spectrum of our lives. It's nearly impossible to lead a fulfilled life muting ourselves or pretending to be someone else. Appreciate the perspective and wisdom laid out here.
Jared, this was brilliant writing. I've followed your style from the shadows, just posting now and no longer concerned that someone would troll my comment. Thanks for posting what so many are thinking.