We are the first generation to use social media in the way we do. Having this power has meant we haven’t always seen it be used for good. Trolling and online bullying is rife on various online platforms. Whether we use social media for personal or business purposes, we have come to accept trolling as part of being on these platforms. 

Social Media Kindness Day

Today marks the first Social Media Kindness Day in memory of the late Caroline Flack, who suffered horrible abuse via social media. Today would have been Caroline’s 41st birthday.

Be kind…

After the tragic death of Caroline Flack, her words “Be Kind” became a hashtag and used throughout social media. However, they had been quickly forgotten, especially during the pandemic. 

We hope that Social Media Kindness Day will become a movement and more than just a hashtag.

The people behind the national awareness day are asking people to call out trolling and negativity online with kindness. There are tools available for this on their website that people can download to their phones and send if they don’t feel comfortable saying anything. 

Where there is trolling, there is always someone on the receiving end and the folks at SMKD are encouraging people to check up on the person who is receiving the negativity.

Just as negativity can kill, kindness can save lives.

Speaking about SMKD, its creators said:

By everyone doing this, we hope to wipe out the majority of the negativity and make social media a kinder and more enjoyable place for all. 

We can’t save the lives of those already taken through the unkindness experienced on social media. But, we can all help in stopping, even more, being taken. We all have a responsibility to do this. If we are on social media, then we all have a part to play in making sure it’s a kind and safe space. We have to lead by example for the next generation of users, so they don’t expect trolling to be a part of being on social media. 

To support the initiative, the campaign’s creators are asking people to take a selfie of them doing the sign for love in British Sign Language to post on social media. In the caption to tag 3 friends asking them if they pledge to play their part in making social media a kinder place for all. 

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