On the dangers of Twitter

[alitheapipkin]

Maybe I'm just feeling cynical because I'm ill but I'm reminded again today about the dangers of Twitter, and confusing online 'clicktivism' with actual activism.

Today, I'm reminded of this because #RIPHarry is trending on Twitter and various people are apparently tweeting in memory of 11 year old Harry Mosley, who has died of a brain tumour

Comments

[alitheapipkin]

I don't believe that praying effects physical change in the world, but I do see value in showing people they are in our thoughts. I know someone who was in Japan at the time and I know he found comfort in it.

I guess intention comes into play here. For me, telling someone you are praying for them* is about showing people they are in your thoughts and you care, that their suffering is seen. If they hear/read the message and feel comforted then your intention is fulfilled, even if it is only a tiny comfort and of no real practical value. Sometimes that is all you can do, especially in a situation like that when most of us don't have the skills or opportunity to provide any practical help. The problem comes when your intention is to enact real change, as in preventing Troy's execution, but you only succeed in showing other people who already agree with you that their feelings are shared.

*Not something I do actually, unless people ask. I prefer to just say 'thinking of you' or equivalent since I don't actually believe in an interventionist god.