FACEBOOK AND THE NAUSEATING OPINIONS OF THE IGNORANT

Now before I start this article, let me remind the reader that I'm aware Facebook doesn't hurt people, oh no. It is people that hurt people, but what I'm trying to convey is that in some cases (not all thankfully), Facebook is being used to display disgusting views of the ignorant.

I'm sure you are aware that this notion is nothing new, but as I was scrolling through my newsfeed recently, I spotted a story that someone had shared on their timeline. The story was about a man named John Morton, a former teacher who admitted six counts of indecently assaulting several girls aged seven and eleven in the 1980's/90's. The former teacher has now served his jail time of 2 years and moved back to Glossop, Derbyshire.

Although the behaviour performed by John Morton is upsetting and should not be condoned in any society, it wasn't the article that caught my attention, but the comments left by Facebook users. The first comment that struck me was "My mate Morton lad lol". It seems this situation is a joke to this user of which they can perversely share their opinion in a neo-language way (by using the word "lol").

A person who liked the first comment, had an opinion of their own by stating, "Looks like Rolf harris's brother, Dirty scum bag !" Now, all of sudden John Morton is being compared to Rolf Harris, a convicted offender of 12 counts of indecent assault. By liking the first comment that poked-fun at the situation and then stating that John Morton is a "Dirty scum bag", it seems this second commentor small minded hypocrite. It seems the second commenter believes it's acceptable to laugh at child abuse and then voice their derogative and ignorant view by condemning the convicted man.

A third person then left a comment stating, "Looks like Shipman", again relating Morton to another convicted offender, but this time it's Dr Harold Shipman, one of the most prolific serial killers in recorded history. Granted, there are physical similarities to both Morton and Shipman, but by 'painting them with the same brush', (something this third commenter is intently doing) both convicted offenders are being placed in the catergory of the "Other"; this being a group of individuals that are mentally or physically separate from society.

But I ask you, what is society? Because judging by these pathetic comments, I believe Facebook has created a society in which we as the public can 'get on our high horse' and log in to a social network site and have our 'two cents worth', but not to create debate, make interesting theories or change public opinion for the better, instead we generalise and stigmatise others who are different to us or have done something indecent.

I'm not asking for Facebook to be taken away from ignorant people, I firmly believe in freedom of speech, however, what I hope this article does is makes people realise that freedom of speech is a privilege not an entitlement. Also, Facebook users need to think about the impact of what they write on social media sites because these sites are powerful tools. Take for example these commenters; in the article it states Mr Morton's address. If this information was seen by a violent individual, then these comments may sway that individual to take physical action on a convicted offender who has already served his time and is already living a life in which I'm sure he's looking over his shoulder everyday.

A thought to leave you with is, John Morton was caught and convicted for an offence I'm sure he regrets, but we've all done stupid things we are either ashamed of or regret, the only difference is, no one knows about your indiscretion(s). So I implore anyone to stop using Facebook as a way to voice their nauseating opinions and instead, use it as a way to stay informed and to share memories and life events.

If you've got an opinion on what you think Facebook has become or is becoming, then comment below...