Social media often times results in people making lots of assumptions and judgments. A single post does not accurately reflect an event or a person's life. I won't deny that I may make some assumptions myself based on social media posts, but I always keep in mind that I never know what a person's life truly is like.
Most people carefully curate their feeds. I mostly post food on my Instagram. I don't post my messy house, the struggles of parenting, my cooking fails. Not because I'm ashamed of any of that, but I simply choose not to, and those who truly know me know that I suck at cooking or I struggle with distance learning - I'm not afraid to share that.
People have varying levels of comfort. If people choose to go out - whether to dine in to support a local business, get together with family to celebrate a birthday at relative's house, or go to the beach - that is their choice. I feel that as long as they do not flout the rules, we should let them be.
But to criticize people for their choices based on a single photo is harmful.
Yes, masks are very critical. There is talk of asymptomatic spread. Social distancing is important. But to bring shame to people who genuinely have good intentions is not necessary.
A single photo can tell a story, but it may not capture the full story, or even the real story. And everyone can have their own interpretation.
And just because no photo was ever posted, it doesn't mean a situation or occurrence didn't happen.
There are countless people who recklessly gather in large groups without masks or social distancing. You may not have seen a photo of it on social media, but it doesn't mean such gatherings are not happening.
Yes - there are selfish people who willingly put others in harms way.
But don't try to hurt a restaurant that remains open and tries to implement strict protocols to save their business and keep people employed, or shame someone who posts on social media who simply is trying to support a business.
This new way of living is exactly that - new. We are all adjusting and learning. It's difficult for us all. For some it's easier to adapt to than others. I would like to believe that most of us are trying and have good intentions.
If you don't like what you see on social media, unfollow that person or business or don't give that person or business any support - financial or otherwise. There is no need to target people unnecessarily.
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