December 2019 marks the end of another year, but more excitingly, the end of another decade. In a time where social media is so prevalent, we have been blessed with the gift of having entertainment, news and multiple resources literally at our fingertips. Nowadays, you can post it, share it, like it, love it, 'wow' it, retweet it, send it to close friends and so much more, but is this sort of socializing always a good thing? Sure, we all love the innanet, but we have to wonder if our scrolling and browsing is helping or hurting us, regardless of how gratifying it may be in the moment.
If you're not sure where to start, I hope this listicle gives you some ideas and maybe some courage to let some old habits die before January 1. Here are 10 very satisfying but completely toxic online behaviors we need to say goodbye to before this year ends.
1. Posting and Reposting Violent Videos for 'Entertainment'
It's funny in movies and even on "reality" tv, but can we leave the sharing and promotion of actual violence in 2019? People are actually getting hurt but we're too busy kee kee'ing at their pain.
2. Following People Online Who We Know We Can't Stand in Real Life
Whether you're keeping tabs to make sure they don't tweet about you, or you're just using everything they post as a conversation starter in your group chat, it's weird and you might be a stalker. Aht aht!
3. Spending Hours Scrolling Through Comments
Although these statuses can be hilarious, watching others argue and reading all of the comments in a Facebook thread has got to be tiring. Your eyes don't hurt? You didn't lose count after clicking on "see more comments" 15 times? Sheesh!
4. Correcting Grammar on Social Media
You might feel good about "helping" someone, but did you stop to think they never cared to begin with? Let it go. The grammar police is not a real task force.
5. Telling People the News Article They've Shared Is Old
It can be helpful in the war against fake news, if done correctly. Having to put someone on blast for posting an old article? Childish. Send them a DM or, here's the tricky part, find a nice and appropriate way to let someone know that the news is dated.
6. Starting Digital Fights
Let's all agree to stop starting digital fights, especially over things that have nothing to do with us! OK? We get it, “You is smart, you is kind, you is important,” and you know big words and spend too much time on Google. However, all of those accomplishments don't make you the world's leading expert on someone else's personal life. Stop stirring the pot for food you can't even eat!
7. Cyberstalking Your Exes
Don't cyberstalk your exes, please. I beg of you. Definitely don't do it from a finsta because they've already blocked your actual account. Looking at pics of your ex with their new boo isn't doing you any good? Hating him/her/them probably won't keep you warm at night. How about you shift that energy to finding your new boo, instead? Move on. Save yourself.
8. Comparing Your Life to Celebs
Stop comparing your life with celebs on the internet — and while we're at it, stop trying to be them. Instafame isn't everybody's calling. Some of us have to be fans, and that's OK! The more time you spend comparing what you don't have to what someone else has, the less time you're spending being appreciative of what you do have! Jealousy is not your color.
9. 'Canceling' People For Simple Things.
For starters, why is that even a thing? People are not subscriptions we can try out, and then decide we no longer want when they don't possess a feature we'd hoped for. Let people be people. Let them have their own opinions, beliefs, habits, preferences, lives. Everyone's world isn't centered around you. Better yet, give people the grace to be as human and imperfect as yourself. None of us are perfect.
And lastly…
10. Announcing Your Social Media Break
If you're going to take a social media break, stop posting about it — “just do it” like Nike. Don't take a break from Instagram, but spend all day scrolling through pics and not liking them. Don't say you’re on a Facebook fast but you're still always marked online. We see you. The worldwide web hides nothing, especially not your faux fasting. Take a break, regroup. Technology will likely still be here when you return.
