Social Media manners matter

'In Deep Conversation'
30"H x 24"W

I read an article this morning about the decline of social media. How it's 'on it's way out'. And I have to say, I'm conflicted about this - both happy and sad.

Happy because perhaps?? we've finally had enough of the snarky, unfiltered vitriol; the inflammatory re-posting of cutting remarks and dirt-slinging, designed to tear us apart and polarize families, friends, neighbors and people-who-are-different-from-us, or think differently from us, or prioritize differently from us.

Sad though, because for all the negative, there is so much positive. So much uplifting, joy-inspiring, building-up. It's a place to reconnect with childhood friends, to inspire with creativity, to drool together over fabulous recipes, to laugh together and cry together, to reach out and make new friends all across the world, and across the fence.

I'd like to hope that social media isn't 'on it's way out', but rather that it's growing up and learning that kindness, sensitivity, empathy and - dare I say - manners, matter.

Art and Words by @BeverlyAshGilbert