Use social media to build not destroy

THE EDITOR: We are already smack in the middle of the Christmas season, a time for sharing joy and happiness!

Sad to say but, unfortunately, most of what is shared on social media right now is negative and influenced by people who are consumed by fear, hate and worry.

The "disaster fatigue" continues when we take in the daily news.

Ignoring reality is not necessarily advisable, however, this constant stream of negative news could never be what our creators had in mind for us while we enjoy our short time on this planet.

Sure, we live in chaotic and somewhat turbulent times, but we should always find time to hone in on the positives that surround us, and be willing to share them with others regularly, especially now as we try to celebrate the festive season.

It really wasn’t that long ago when Trinis had the reputation of being one of the most hospitable people in the world! Our warmth and willingness to "lime" with anyone, anywhere at any time was always admired by visitors to our shores, especially during times like Christmas, Carnival and Divali!

Let us not lose our multi-ethnic togetherness that so many foreigners "jealous we for." And make sure we are not using our social media platforms and call-in programmes to help destroy, rather than build relationships with others.

So without being too harsh with all the haters out there, it says something about your personality if the only reason you go online is to "maco" and share every distressing and depressing piece of news with your so-called friends.

Please think twice next time you are about to share that story filled with gloom and doom, as it just compounds an already dark and dismal environment during a very special time of the year when sharing and caring should be high in priority.

Merry Christmas everyone, and let us make a conscious effort to focus on the positives heading into 2019!

Steven Valdez via e-mail