The problem with positivity

Positivity, give it a chance

I want to start off by saying I have no problem with positivity. In fact, I embrace it. But it wasn’t always that way. My friend Chad has a podcast called Positive Cynicism. In his most recent episode, he talks about social media and trolls. During the course of his musings, he mentions being more positive online.

I couldn’t agree more. For the last 20+ years, I’ve been a broadcast journalist. In the early years, it was phone calls that allowed viewers to remain anonymous and voice their opinion about a story or an on-air talent. Then it was email. We’d usually get the person’s address and more often than not I’ve responded to a message. Not to be argumentative or seek approval, but to engage in a conversation.

Now with social media, the gloves are off. And it’s not just in the world of journalism. Anyone can post an opinion, a photo or an article and someone will have something to say about it. Example; Ice Cube is coming to perform in southern Illinois soon. If you’re not a fan of the guy, most likely you’d scroll past the post and continue on with your life. But those who don’t like him not only put the ‘angry’ emoji on the post but also feel compelled to share their disdain for the rapper. I don’t get it.

For some, it seems that being unhappy is the only way they know how to be so they’ll share that emotion with the rest of the world. When I started my professional wrestling blog My 1-2-3 Cents in 2010, many of the opinions I shared there were overly critical of WWE or particular performers. A couple years ago I was introduced to Gary Vee who talks extensively about being positive and how negativity “doesn’t win the long game.” It was then that I decided to try to find more positive things about the shows and performers I was critiquing on my podcast and in my blog posts.

The world is a cynical place. Social media I believe has helped to fuel those feelings. I know some people like to post their good news or share something nice that they’ve done. But then you hear about how they’re just fishing for compliments or patting themselves on the back. I want people to post their random acts of kindness. Share your good deeds with the world. We can use the inspiration. I’d rather see a post about doing something meaningful than someone ranting about a politician, celebrity or sports team. Post your vacation pics, videos of your kids singing silly songs and favorite cookie recipe.

All that being said, don’t ignore the things that are wrong in the world. But what’s the point in dwelling on that? Seriously, if you go out of your way to be a douchebag to someone on social media, I am curious what is the motivation. In the end, you look like a fool and your point is lost on everyone involved.