For quite a while now, I've been trying to drastically reduce my FB activity, because there was this kind of a lost feeling when I logged in. My news feed was always filled with news of negativity, aggression, and gossip, and the comments were usually of people fighting about something.
I spent an entire day un-liking a lot of pages I had liked over the years and exiting groups that served no purpose to me. I thought if I liked more positive pages and joined more positive groups, I would feel better. But then I realized, though I had a choice of what pages I followed, I have over 1000 friends on my friend list, over whom I have no control; whatever they share and their activity lands on my news feed.
Then I thought, I’m sure there are many people like me on Facebook who might like to use the platform for something more positive. I wasn't sure where to start. But just to test the waters, I conducted a small experiment where I posted the following on my wall -
"Hey guys! I have a question for you. Please leave your answers in the comment section or inbox it to me. This is not a promotional question or a forward. Just something of a personal experiment. What are 3 things you feel each person can do, that can bring about a major social change?"
While a random share on my profile gets only about 10-15 likes and 0 comments, I received about 40 responses to this status update within no time. There were people who I had not connected to for a while who in-boxed me their answer, along with a HI, which led to deeper conversations.
Once people replied, I sent them the following reply -
"Dear ________, thank you for participating in my little experiment.
This post moved ____ people to think about 3 small changes they can do to make this world better. Can you help me make more people think about this and consider making 3 small changes in their life, by posting a similar status on your wall? :)
(You don't need to share my post. You can copy and paste it on your wall and tag me in the comments so I can follow the replies. The intention is to use our networking platforms to set a trigger of positive change in the world, however small and insignificant it may seem. For anything to change, we begin the work from within, before without, and this could be a start.) #EachOneChangeOne”
A lot of them re-shared this on their wall and got beautiful responses themselves. I’m not sure how long this chain went, but I was glad that some people used at least a couple of minutes away from negativity.
I’m also not sure how effective Facebook can be in the context of kindness, because after all it is virtual. But the fact that most of us spend a considerable amount of time online, it would be great if we spent most of that time and space for spreading positivity and encouraging acts of kindness!
Some thoughts I had about Random Acts of Kindness on FB were-
I spent an entire day un-liking a lot of pages I had liked over the years and exiting groups that served no purpose to me. I thought if I liked more positive pages and joined more positive groups, I would feel better. But then I realized, though I had a choice of what pages I followed, I have over 1000 friends on my friend list, over whom I have no control; whatever they share and their activity lands on my news feed.Then I thought, I’m sure there are many people like me on Facebook who might like to use the platform for something more positive. I wasn't sure where to start. But just to test the waters, I conducted a small experiment where I posted the following on my wall -
"Hey guys! I have a question for you. Please leave your answers in the comment section or inbox it to me. This is not a promotional question or a forward. Just something of a personal experiment. What are 3 things you feel each person can do, that can bring about a major social change?"
While a random share on my profile gets only about 10-15 likes and 0 comments, I received about 40 responses to this status update within no time. There were people who I had not connected to for a while who in-boxed me their answer, along with a HI, which led to deeper conversations.
Once people replied, I sent them the following reply -
"Dear ________, thank you for participating in my little experiment.
This post moved ____ people to think about 3 small changes they can do to make this world better. Can you help me make more people think about this and consider making 3 small changes in their life, by posting a similar status on your wall? :)
(You don't need to share my post. You can copy and paste it on your wall and tag me in the comments so I can follow the replies. The intention is to use our networking platforms to set a trigger of positive change in the world, however small and insignificant it may seem. For anything to change, we begin the work from within, before without, and this could be a start.) #EachOneChangeOne”
A lot of them re-shared this on their wall and got beautiful responses themselves. I’m not sure how long this chain went, but I was glad that some people used at least a couple of minutes away from negativity.
I’m also not sure how effective Facebook can be in the context of kindness, because after all it is virtual. But the fact that most of us spend a considerable amount of time online, it would be great if we spent most of that time and space for spreading positivity and encouraging acts of kindness!
Some thoughts I had about Random Acts of Kindness on FB were-
- Sending an anonymous surprise gift to the friend who always likes your posts!
Calling a friend who you constantly message otherwise.
Instead of just commenting on a post of a friend that inspired you/moved you/you found it nice, pick up the phone and tell it personally. Etc!
1246 Reads
- Posted by PranitaBhat
- May 8, 2017
- Comments (8)
Readers Comments
patjos wrote: Inspired, please keep at it! So many good ideas in there. :)))
splain wrote: Now this is a good way of using Facebook
mindyjourney wrote: Thank you for redirecting a more postive focus on FB :))). Recently a KS member, janfour, posted about a challenge she and another member were putting together. I'll send you the link to her share :))).
Mish wrote: The more I hear about the harm that sometimes exists there, the happier I am that I have never participated there. I know many use it positively & enjoy it very much. But, I already spend too much time on-line, predominantly here :))). Thank you for what you are doing.
leoladyc728 wrote: sounds like a good experiment. I rarely use FB but I think it is good to get rid of the negative posts that you were receiving
kjoyw wrote: Thank you for coming up with this worthy effort to make FB a kinder, more friendly venue for positive dhange. Have never done FB, but wish you well!
Subh wrote: This is geat, i strongly feel social media can be one vehicle in channeling acts of kindness/ generosity /positivity.
I have a page called, 'kindness daily' where i share words of wisdom, quotes , photos that inspire or even an incident that made me smile.
Similarly there are other members who do the same. It's one small step to positivity but a step nonetheless.
I have a page called, 'kindness daily' where i share words of wisdom, quotes , photos that inspire or even an incident that made me smile.
Similarly there are other members who do the same. It's one small step to positivity but a step nonetheless.
carolec wrote: I feel a hunger myself for more positive news, updates, messages. This is lovely and construcive. Well done, i applaud your idea and follow through. Lovely.
