Practicing Empathy Online

Don’t dig in. Step back.

Pause…Don’t dig in. Step Back. Image Credit

We’ve talked a lot about where empathy exists as well as the severe lack of it in the online world. Today, I want you to consider how to practice empathy in your online interactions. Since so many of us spend our time online exploring and discussing the important issues of the day, politics, science, culture, religion, or everything else, we can strive to learn to do so in a civil and empathetic manner. Why? Relationships depend on it: citizen to citizen, family to family, friend to friend. What I am offering as a suggestion to you, be you right-wing, left-wing, human wing, or other, is the following important motto or mantra:

Don’t dig in. Step back.

What do I mean by this? When confronted with an opposing view online, especially one that may inflame you, stop. Consider the person’s views, information sources, and don’t forget to consider your own. Look for a common ground, and try to build from there. Ask yourself if the inflammatory or incorrect statement reflects what you know about that person as a human being. If the offending person is you, consider why twenty friends just called you out and attacked your statements or shared information. None of us should be ashamed of some simple self-reflection. Proceed from a point of pause and consideration and the engagement in discussion will be much more fruitful.

Sometimes, all you need is one simple concession from either party and the discussion is suddenly positive and engaging in a way that is constructive for all involved. This article in The Atlantic, “A Very Simple Way to Diffuse Political Fights,” points out studies that have shown this to be true. It is a worthwhile read. It denotes empathy in action:

Just hearing an ideological opponent make a minor concession creates significant differences in how people view them.

Don’t dig in. Step back. Is it possible that the other person that you know so well offline as a good and decent human being is getting information from sources that make them think one way or another? Is it possible that they or you see totally different world views when entrenched in online media sources? Very much so, and definitely. Look at this excellent model of what that may look like: Blue Feed Red Feed (Wall Street Journal) This simulation will take a topic and show you what your feed may look like if you are on the other side. Are you a Republican wondering why so called “liberals” espouse a certain viewpoint? Democrat wondering how “conservatives” can seem so off-base to what you believe in? Behind each of those misnomers is a human being, often being fed information that agrees with their viewpoint only. Consider this when engaging in your discussions. Don’t dig in. Step back and look, think, breathe, then engage.

Put empathy into action in your time online with discussions, reading, educating, advocating, and you will slowly work past the divides we all are witness to ever more frequently. This won’t be easy, but it is absolutely necessary. Don’t dig in. Step back.


The Empathy Project is the Capstone Project of Matt Achhammer, a student in the Emerging Media Master’s program at Loyola University Maryland. I invite you to join me in this discussion here and on social media through Facebook and Twitter. Please feel welcome to suggest topics, provide examples, and share advice or your own stories along the way.

)

The Empathy Project

Written by

A study of empathy (or the lack thereof) in the online environments. What is it, where it is lacking, how to teach it.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade