Diving into a digital detox

VICKY BEECHING SWITCHES OFF HER SMARTPHONE IN A QUEST TO READ MORE BOOKS

Some days, I feel like social media should be re-named “antisocial media”. It can be a brilliant place – full of humour, breaking news, compelling content and new friends. But it can simultaneously be a nasty playground for trolls; where the constant drip of criticism wears you down, day by day, if you put your head above the parapet on controversial issues.

PHOTO NICHOLAS DAWKES

Recently, it’s felt more like the latter to me. Don’t get me wrong – I’ll always be a huge social media fan and have no intention of leaving. It’s a crucial part of my work as a writer and broadcaster. Plus, many of my friends live in other countries, so Twitter and Facebook are the lifeblood of our communication. But lately, the online negativity and nastiness have been making my soul feel weary.

The spikes in abusive messaging usually happen after I publish a piece about LGBT equality, or do a TV or radio slot on that same subject. I know to expect it – it’s just part of my job. Everyone has the right to reply, and I welcome discussion and disagreement if it’s carried out in a respectful manner.

Often that’s not the case, and the abusive comments go deep; I wouldn’t be human if they didn’t. After all, when it comes to issues like same-sex marriage, or the place of gay, lesbian and bi people in the Church, it’s not just an idea they are attacking – it’s the core of who I am. If you’re an openly LGB or T person online, you may well have experienced the same. My heart goes out to you if so.