Why Social Media Can’t Be A “Positive Space” Right Now

One thing I’ve been seeing on social media recently, usually from those who aren’t politically active is “this is my positive space” or “positive vibes only guys”. I get that being active on social media has been exhausting for a while now, but in my opinion rightly so.

• 48 LGBT+ people were shot for being happy and comfortable in themselves.
• 2 black men were shot by police officers within 24 hours, the next in a long line for doing nothing but being black.
• The UK may be forced to leave the EU, something which nearly half of us voted against. Since the referendum vote 2 weeks ago the number of racist attacks and incidents has rocketed.
• Donald Trump, who wants to build a wall around mexico because he thinks all Mexicans are rapists and drug dealers, is in the running to be the next American President.
• ISIL have claimed 589 terror attacks in the last 6 months just in Iraq, Syria and Libya.

I get that these things are upsetting and depressing, but people are dying for being who they are. People are grieving. People are afraid that they’ll be next. People are and have every right to be angry.

I’m sorry that people are being political all over your timelines, but if all you want is positivity and cat pictures when people are literally being killed and abused because of who they are then you probably shouldn’t be on the internet right now. Or just have you and five friends who also want to be positive. If you’re not commenting on any of the awful things that are happening cos your “online brand” is positivity then by staying silent you’re part of the problem.

This is not aimed at people who don’t feel informed enough or don’t want to speak over POC and LGBT folk, but if you feel that way (as I do too) read up, don’t just believe what the mainstream media are telling you, share others stories, support your friends, show solidarity with people going through this. If you are drained take time away, do what you need. Sign petitions, share ways to help victims families, if you can write to your MP or congressman. Use your voice and let them bigots and those destroying our world that this is not okay.

The internet isn’t a very “positive space” at the moment, and it can’t be. Not while people are dying and afraid to go out in public because of the amount of hate in the world. Not while all of this keeps happening and is allowed to happen.