Insulting people online is too easy

I became a blogger two years ago. Right after my daughter was born. I know. What a cliche. A mom-blogger. But I've been enjoying it since I got to meet various cool people, published a book called "Mamyste" (lithuanian for "Mommyhood") and ir all kind of kept my head above the water with all that childcare weight suddenly pouring over me. I gave an interview to this radio station yesterday about the motherhood nowadays. I told about the famous quote: "It takes a village to raise a child" and the fact that this village has gone online now.

I was asked why any online discussion turns into a cat-fight between moms? Or does it only seem so from aside? I started defending our community but halfway through the sentence I realized that the journalist was right. It does often turn into a fight over who's doing it better. But then I thought that it's not just a mom thing. We do it all the time: when discussing politics, culture or any social interest. Because it is too easy to insult a person on the other side. You don't see their eyes. You don't see their body language. You just type and click and shut the device down thinking: "What an idiot" and you move on with your life.

Well, I've been on both sides and I can tell you this: an insult received online feels just like an insult received eye to eye. It makes no difference if it's virtual or not.

So I kindly invite everyone to use this rule: comment, discuss online just as if you would if you met this person in real life. Type and think that you'd use the same words and intention if you spoke to this person in a town square, bus stop, school yard. It may not change your life. But it will definitely change somebody's day.