I'm Not Being Political on Social Media Anymore

We have reached an alarming stage guys.

I have a habit of opening my massive gob. If I see an injustice, most of which are visible on social media these days, I cannot help but to respond. I think it's the case for a lot of people but instead of discussing these issues 'mano e mano', we find ourselves in the technological age of Facebook and Twitter. People are far more confident behind their computer screens, resulting in more arguments with more ferocity and as we all know - words read off a screen can be misinterpreted.

Politically, we also find ourselves in a rocky place. The divisive nature of Brexit plus the even more divisive nature of Trump equal earthquakes. Find yourself agreeing with leaving the EU labels you immediately as a racist (which is wrong). Find yourself disagreeing with Brexit labels you as an airhead lefty fascist (which is wrong). There is no longer any middle ground.

I've found myself contributing to political conversations on social media recently, including on the same day I type this. Brexit. Our NHS. Trump. I can't help myself and people, perfectly within their rights, respond disagreeing. Cue discussion. Both of us, probably perfectly politely, put across our argument but something I have realised in recent times is that it is IMPOSSIBLE to win.

Picture the scene. I link a BBC article about longer waiting times in A&E, linking it to the Conservative government cutting spending in a bid to appease their austerity programme, (No - I'm not going to go into that). A fellow tweeter responds, wanting privatisation. Clash. Now, I can put across the most perfect argument, linking it with official figures and stats from the Department for Health, but the climate is now such that the other person can just respond with the line:

"Well the experts and the stats are wrong."

When did we get to a stage where we cannot respond to that? Three incorrect opinion polls around three of the most important political events of the last year (British General Election, US General Election & the EU Referendum) have somehow meant that people can cite that to reject ANY official figures regarding ANY topic whatsoever. And it's impossible to change their opinion.

Think about it. How many people, upon getting into a discussion on social media have accepted defeat and had their opinion changed? I'm willing to bet it's zero.

So what's the point? What's the point in engaging in discussion on any subject over a computer screen without being labelled as a right wing or left wing extremist and rejecting any evidence you may provide as "fake news". I've realised it only serves to increase your blood pressure and wind you up. So I'm going to TRY* and just not get involved any more. It's not worth it.

I suppose you could say I've been silenced. Beaten by people who hold a different opinion to me, but I would say that was harsh. If you want to debate these things in person, be my guest. I will participate, but not over social media. All it does is fester hate and lead to insult, and who wants to spend crucial thoughts wondering why you've been called a "Corbyn loving moron"?

* I say "try" as, like trying to resist playing just one more game on Football Manager, I may slip up!