A reminder to be mindful in your online interactions

Photography Credit: Chris Tropea

I recently wrote about my love of swap meets and how online sites have both augmented and, to some extent, ruined the traditional swap meet.

[Do you experience the same joy that swap meets give me?]

This time, I’m going to tackle a topic perhaps even more contentious but ultimately more important: how we use and misuse our online options, including social media.

First, some people keep their social media in a very tight circle. My wife, Margie, has decided to keep her social media very private. She uses it just for family and as a way to keep in touch with a small group of friends.

Personally, as a semi-public figure–at least in our small pond–I don’t seek out friends on social media, but if you request to be friends with me and I know and like you, it’s a no-brainer: I accept your friendship.

If I don’t really know you, I will take a look through your posts to see if a) we have similar interests, b) your profile is not fake (the tell is if you only have posts from the last few weeks) and c) you’re not likely to spout a lot of political drivel and seem to stick to the social topics that social media was truly designed for.

And don’t get me wrong: I love social media. I think it can be a useful place to relax, learn and enjoy.

I have largely homed in on Facebook, as I enjoy the longer-form content and, sadly, it reaches folks in my age group. I have also enjoyed being in several Facebook Groups. The Sprite, Sunbeam and Elva groups give and receive a lot of expertise and good information. If I’m sure that I know the answer, I try to offer good information. (I would beg you: If you don’t know what you’re talking about, you might want to listen and not speak.)

I’m also a fan of YouTube, as it’s been an invaluable resource when fixing or restoring a car–even though videos can range from interesting and accurate to boring and just wrong. Despite having personally restored more than 50 cars, I still learn stuff every day. In fact, I’m signing up to take classes next summer on restoration techniques at McPherson College.

[Classic Motorsports on YouTube]

People said that social media and the various options for interacting would lead to the demise of online forums, but ours continue to thrive. We have so many great people, interesting conversations and incredible technical help on virtually every subject, from car repair to life repair.

The downside of all this online social interaction? With another election coming up, there’s an increased amount of political commentary, most of which is just mean, inaccurate and often just idiotic. I would implore you not to spread conspiracy theories. And if you haven’t taken basic history and civics classes and don’t really understand how the government works, don’t pretend you do.

I would also entreat every one of you to be civil. Whether the discussion is about a color change on an old Porsche, the blasphemy of putting a Chevy engine in a Ford, or what you thought of a political debate, treat your audience with respect and dignity. Would you say that to someone in person? If not, maybe pause before hitting the reply button.

The latest online issues: artificial intelligence and deepfakes. My advice? Learn to recognize AI, and be mindful where you get your news. (I try to rely upon more than one trusted source.)

I try not to preach in these columns. Who am I to tell you what to do? But occasionally I feel that in my semi-public position I should hopefully help the world become a better place. I know a lot of you personally, and if I can help make your lives better in some small way, then that is a good thing. Please be kind, be smart and be educated.