Social media and online platforms are now powerful tools for spreading awareness about important causes. You can train your algorithm to show you valuable content. However, some people actively avoid seeing and interacting with such content out of fear of changing their habits and assumptions. This fear could stem from the possibility of unlearning old beliefs joined with the fear of being judged and hated by others.
Why do we cling to old beliefs?
It is common for people to hold on to their old beliefs and opinions, even when presented with new information. Making them stubborn to change and educating themselves.
The consequences of avoiding important causes online
Our beliefs are deeply ingrained in us, and changing them can be a challenging and uncomfortable process. Therefore, when people are faced with content that challenges their beliefs, for example, something they did not learn in school, or something not mentioned in mainstream media, it becomes natural for most of them to feel defensive and want to avoid it.
By actively avoiding content about important causes, we are limiting our understanding of the world around us and failing to support people who need our help.
Overcoming fear and embracing growth
When you avoid content that makes you challenge the mainstream, you basically put yourself in an echo chamber, surrounding yourself with information that only reinforces your existing beliefs. This can harm our ability to empathize with others and see things from different perspectives.
Avoiding important causes online can also stem from the fear of being judged and hated by others. With what is called "cancel culture", it is common for people to face backlash and criticism for going against what most people believe in.
Unlearning harmful beliefs
It is understandable to feel uncomfortable and even fearful when faced with content that challenges our beliefs. But when acknowledge that discomfort, we can use it as an opportunity to know more about this world, to make it better. To be aware of what is happening will be the start of the change that the world needs.
One of the most important beliefs to let go of is "If a different group of people than mine is experiencing oppression, why should I care?" this is the root of the all issues that are preventing the world from becoming a better place. If one of us is not free, none of us are free. Right?
Another old belief to unlearn "I am only one person, my voice won't matter" said millions and millions around the world! imagine if we all understood that we matter and that our voice make a difference.
The power of online activism
If "online activism does not make a difference!" answer this: how many times you were scrolling your social media feed and encountered something that made you think "Oh I did not know about this!". Awareness is the first and most important step to everything.
It is okay to be open to learning from others. This does not mean that we have to change our beliefs entirely, but rather have a willingness to listen and understand different perspectives. Change is a gradual process and not an overnight transformation. It is okay to take time to process new information.
Actively avoiding content about important causes online out of fear of unlearning old beliefs or being judged won't get us anywhere. Listen to different perspectives that you were programmed to believe, and be willing to learn and grow.
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| Photo by Alexandra Patrusheva |
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