Lessons from a social media experiment
In an era where online interactions often devolve into toxic exchanges, a recent social media experiment I tried offers a glimmer of hope for civil discourse.
Inspired by a desire to test the waters of online debate, I posted a hot topic on my social media, curious to see how my friends and family, who hold diverse viewpoints, would respond.
The experiment
The post was simple, but concise: “I believe in science, not those who are not tied to the truth.”
This triggered a variety of responses, from statements about the importance of facts over feelings to humorous comments about college rivalries. In particular, the conversation remained respectful and constructive, showing a hopeful beacon of online civility.
Reactions, reflections and connections
Some participants emphasized the importance of facts guiding feelings, while others expressed frustration that misinformation focused on facts. The dialogue highlighted that even in disagreement, respect persevered.
One comment that stuck was “MATHS DOESN'T LIE,” underscoring the reliability of numbers in personal and professional contexts. This sentiment resonated with many, reinforcing the value of objective truth. One respondent amplified this by suggesting that mathematics is objective, but science is not. Disagreements remained polite and thoughtful.
Ultimately, this experiment connects to my broader educational goals. Schools and our communities can teach us to think critically and participate respectfully. Encouraging civil discourse is important in developing informed citizens capable of addressing controversial issues. As one commenter noted, everyone has the right to think independently and discussions should be aimed at understanding rather than changing minds. As my daughter says, “FACTS!”
This social media experiment offered a refreshing perspective on the window of online disagreements. In contrast to the caustic approach of the keyboard warriors, this group showed maturity, intelligence and respect. Instead of falling into primal fight, flight, or flight reactions, they approached the topic with candor and respect.
The educational benefits: critical thinking, empathy and more
Several studies and debates suggest that civility in online interactions can foster environments conducive to learning and intellectual growth. Let's consider how literally critical this is in schools, where we want our community to thrive through learning.
The effect is profound: individuals can participate more effectively in discourse on important topics, such as moral and political issues, by providing norms for respectful and constructive dialogue. The development of civility as a virtue involves the internalization of norms through practice and structured interactions, which can improve the ability to critically evaluate controversial beliefs and issues. I refer to this as alter silly dysfunction.
And there's more: Civil online discussions are considered more informative and persuasive than uncivil ones. In a study examining the effects of synchronicity and civility on perceptions of online political discussions, Civilian interactions were found to be more credible. and attractive. Civil discourse encourages participation and deliberation, which are essential for developing critical thinking skills.
This reveals to me, as an educational leader, what I could only have hoped for: that online platforms can foster meaningful, non-toxic, destructive exchanges. It serves as a reminder that our role as educators and school leaders includes promoting critical thinking and empathy, and that this is more important than ever in the amplified online world.
By adopting these principles, we can transform digital spaces into spaces for thoughtful dialogue and mutual understanding. That, my friend, is hope.
