I was done…I had to quit. For my own mental stability (whatever was left) I just couldn’t participate in the world of social media any longer.
This article is reproduced with permission from The Midnight Freemasons blog
The Anti-Social Impact of Social Media
by Midnight Freemason Contributor
Robert E. Jackson
I’ve heard of others quitting, and removing themselves from the vitriol, but for so long I found humour and comradery in social media that brought me closer to friends past and present.
However, within the dumpster fire of 2020, the good no longer outweighed the bad.
In order to maintain a connection, I had to disconnect.
As I’ve written about before, I’ve been struggling with depression for years, most likely the vast majority of my life.
The Brotherhood I found in Masonry helped with a great deal of those struggles, finding like minded men, socially interacting, and learning to accept our differences with an unconditional Love.
Oftentimes, trying to understand these differences, the intent of their actions, causes doubts in our own personal evaluations.
The Brotherly charity we exercise usually provides a bidirectional Love and understanding, but in the world of social media, sometimes even among Brothers, that charity seems to fade.
I started realizing that the more I saw on social media, the more upset I became.
There was no opportunity for discussion or understanding.
As the articles and posts arose, I found myself researching and trying to understand the motivation, the intent.
The urge to understand each side became almost an obsession, and eventually, every post, every article, I found to be offensive and hurtful.
I’m putting this out there because I found it hard to believe that I’m the only one that feels this, that struggles with the understanding.
With the perception of offense and hurt, I started wondering if I was just too weak, too sensitive.
My own personal value dropped, further impacting my already low self esteem.
I knew that no matter what I wrote, no matter how I countered, it wouldn’t matter.
I wasn’t going to change anybody’s mind, neither did I feel like I had the right to try.
Don’t get me wrong, there is a clear positive side of social media.
You are able to keep in contact with past and current friends.
You can learn through incredible online lectures and presentations to entertain and educate.
Especially now when our ability to interact in person has been so stifled, our dependency on social media has skyrocketed.
Unfortunately, the common issue of ‘fear of missing out’, sometimes referred to as ‘FOMO’, grows with that increased dependency on electronic socializing.
Even to the point where we hear about lectures and presentations after the fact, there is a sadness in not being able to attend, or worse, not being invited.
This fear of missing out, fear of exclusion, has driven mankind to horrible actions in the past.
Is it possible to wholeheartedly believe that the world you see is curated, and what you’re seeing isn’t real?
Or do those images settle within the recesses brain, always making you wonder if you’ve made a wrong decision, or just aren’t worthy?
Almost as if you’re an outsider, unable to gain access to the inner circle of life without the proper password.
That inner circle, however, is filled with little more than perception and imagination.
These fabrications of the mind germinate and fertilize our pain, thereby feeding the FOMO.
There is another fear within the realm of social media, seemingly much more rare than FOMO, and that’s the fear of rejection.
Fear that whatever you post, whether serious or intended for humour, will offend or hurt somebody.
At best, they will appreciate the humour, and laugh with you.
Others may keep their feelings to themselves. At worst, however, the judge and jury of social media commit you to death.
Before you know it, you’ve been labelled with one of the many labels we seem to inflict on ourselves and those around us.
For many it appears they can compartmentalize these rebuttals, and shrug them off.
To me, it’s a horrible feeling of rejection, denial, and suppression of thought.
When I see these attacks happening among Brothers, friends, acquaintances, the pain becomes personal, regardless of my involvement in the ‘conversation.’
The engineer in me must identify the source that drives these attacks.
Is there an anger embedded so deep within humanity that continues to grow unchecked?
Or perhaps the problem is solely within myself, being too ‘soft,’ allowing the worst of humanity to penetrate my own Sanctum Sanctorum and discounting the ‘good’ in the world.
It just appears to me that an increasing number of people want the anger, the fighting, as the best way to conquer a people is to divide them.
This belief brings about a level of contempt for the attacker, and likely my current disdain for ‘news’ (and now social) media.
It seems like in these areas all we see are the attacks and wrongdoings of the ‘others.’
The contempt that grows within myself, however, doesn’t eradicate the need to understand the motivations and the intent of the attacker.
My heart, however, lies with those being attacked. Even if I disagree with their position, I feel they deserve to be heard and as humans we should work to understand.
The communication and charity, true tolerance, must happen if we are going to dampen the anger.
However, in the world of COVID 19, loss of freedoms, and severe racial disputes, it feels completely hopeless.
The rage and hatred, regardless of where people lie on the political spectrum, feels like a poison spreading through our society.
The problem is, legislation, social distancing, and required face coverings appear to spread the poison, rather than curtail it.
When I discuss with an effort to understand, and perhaps appear to defend those attacked, I feel the hatred and anger directed to me.
What have I done? I just want them to see the other side, try to understand where people are coming from, but now I’ve hurt the very people I care about.
What I want, my desires, and through my actions, have now caused more pain; and I do hope that we can all agree that this world needs less pain.
What consistently eludes us all is the path to get there.
I firmly believe that path is hidden within our rituals, within the lessons of Freemasonry.
A path that has been laid out by some of the greatest thinkers of humanity.
However, only those that seek the path will ever find it.
Even upon search, it is possible that we’ll become lost within our own thoughts.
I truly fear this cycle of pain will continue, progressively getting worse, until the very foundation of humanity, true Charity, crumbles to dust.
My Brothers, my Friends, I need help.
We all need help. How do we arrange the Harmony within this Chaos?
How do we uncover the Benevolence in the face of Anger?
Can we even right this ship, or shall we simply release the tiller, embrace the suffering, and allow the wind to carry us to that ‘undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveller returns’.
Article by: Robert Edward Jackson
Robert Edward Jackson is a Past and presiding Master of Montgomery Lodge located in Milford, MA.
His Masonic lineage includes his Father (Robert Maitland), Grandfather (Maitland Garrecht), and Great Grandfather (Edward Henry Jackson), a founding member of Scarsdale Lodge #1094 in Scarsdale, NY.
When not studying ritual, he’s busy being a father to his three kids, a husband, Boy Scout Leader, and a network engineer to pay for it all.
He can be reached at info@montgomerylodge.org
EDITOR’S NOTE:
In a very turbulent world, our mental health is at a premium. For men, especially, there is an increased risk of suicide.
If you are affected by any mental health issues – anxiety/depression/loneliness/diagnosed disorders – please reach out to your Brethren and get support. Should you need confidential or urgent help, there are many organisations ready to help.
UK
Samaritans
Need support? We’re here to listen 24 hours, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 for free or view other ways to get in touch.
Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF)
Mental Health Support for Freemasons and their families
https://mcf.org.uk/get-support/freemasons-and-families/mental-health-and-wellbeing/
Men’s Sheds
A fantastic organisation to help address loneliness and isolation for men – learn new skills and meet new friends in a supportive environment. There are 594 Men’s Sheds are located across the UK.
AUSTRALIA
Lifeline
Call – Chat – Text – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue
Call 1300 22 4636
3 million Australians are living with anxiety or depression
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
USA – Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-272-8255
The Effect of Social Media on Mental Health & Personality
by Lalit Mohan Pant & Rekha Joshi
Social media have become prominent parts of life for many young people today.
Most people engage with social media without stopping to think what the effects are on our lives, whether positive or negative.
Today we are as a society becoming more concerned with Facebook “friends” than with the people we interact with face-to-face in our daily lives.
There are many positive aspects, but there are equally as many dangers that come with the use of sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google +, Tumblr, Instagram, gaming sites, and blogs.
In order to make the right choices, we must need to thinks again.
Recent Articles: membership
The Relevance of Freemasonry in Contemporary Society
The role of Freemasonry in contemporary society is an indispensable one. Despite the challenges and misconceptions it faces, the organization remains steadfast in its humanitarian pursuits and commitment to personal growth and self-betterment.
Through its efforts to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its members and the world, Freemasonry continues to be a vital force in shaping a better future for all.
more....
Artificial Intelligence and its uses: from Society to Freemasonry
Just as AI is not a panacea or a disaster, and the result depends on its use, so its application in Masonry will be beneficial and not counterproductive if the Brothers apply it constructively. By George Thanasoulas
more....
21st Century Freemasonry – a Sign of the Times?
A recent article in The Times of London highlighted the dilemma 21st Freemasonry is facing. In this article one Master Mason shares his views of the strengths, and the challenges of modern Masonry.
more....
CryptoMasons
One of the first initiative for Masonic Art NFT collections with philanthropic goals supported by a regular Grand Lodge, in this case, the Great Lodge of Argentina of Free and Accepted Masons.
more....
Digital Freemasonry NFT Marketplace
Digitalfreemasonry.com has launched the Official Digital Freemasonry NFT Marketplace. Digital Freemasonry is not an organization, it is a new form of Freemasonry, transformed from Speculative Freemasons – which evolved from Operative guilds.
more....
Aether Lodge
The vision is to satirize the many existing myths and preconceptions about Freemasonry by building a united community around an engaging story with multiple benefits. Aether Lodge consists of 9990 Masonic-themed NFTs divided into multiple collections.
more....
Bitcoin for Freemasons
What connects Freemasonry and Bitcoin ? Both are misunderstood and ridiculed by the ill-informed. If freemasonry is about being a better citizen of the world. Then Bitcoin is about: making the world a better place for all citizens
more....
Interlogias Masonic App
This smartphone app is designed to work with all Freemasons from both Regular and Independent Grand Lodges around the world.
more....
Freemasonry and the Metaverse; P2
In this second instalment, Freemasonry and the Metaverse. We discusses the importance of being an open source protocol and how could Freemasonry benefit from a metaverse structure?
more....
Metaverses, Masonry and Minecraft: The Future of Lodges
Should Freemasons be proud that a clandestine group has borrowed their symbolism and ideology and transplanted it into a server known as ‘The Worst Place in Minecraft’? Metaverses, Masonry and Minecraft: The Future of Lodges
more....
To be a Better Citizen of the World; Step 3
A value proposition for Pure Ancient Masonry as defined in terms of Citizenship; the allegories, symbolism and lessons are a blueprint for all Freemasons to be a better citizen of the world.
more....
To be a Better Citizen of the World; Step 2
A value proposition for Pure Ancient Masonry as defined in terms of Citizenship; the allegories, symbolism and lessons are a blueprint for all Freemasons to be a better citizen of the world.
more....
To be a Better Citizen of the World; Step 1
A value proposition for Pure Ancient Masonry as defined in terms of Citizenship; the allegories, symbolism and lessons are a blueprint for all Freemasons to be a better citizen of the world.
more....
Opportunity to fix the Sussex fudge
Is there a value proposition for members, that under English Constitution Freemasonry, we have a 4 part offering; Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft , Master Mason and Companion, conducted in a single craft lodge ?
more....
The Masonic Temple
The Masonic Temple is a platform where both Freemasons and non-Masons, enthusiasts of real art and spiritual growth, connect to the new world of the metaverse. A Freemasonry in the metaverse project, based regular freemasonry principles.
more....
Digital Freemasonry
All Freemasons In One Digital Lodge; Is this viable?, is it practical ?, is it even possible ? To answer this question we need to under the problem "Digital Freemasonry" aims to fix.
more....
Freemasonry and the Metaverse
There is growing interest in the Freemasonry and the Metaverse on social media. Some projects are starting out as Masonic art NFT collections, while others are more clearly see a point in the future where they will be lodges operating in a metaverse.
more....
Value Proposition of Freemasonry
In addressing declining lodge membership and lack of attendance, we need to assess the value it offers to members. What is value, and what does it mean to you?
more....
Great Architect of the Metaverse
Are you ready to meet in the metaverse ? what can you expect to see and do ?
more....
Millennial Masons - Response
What is a 'Millennial' and what do they want from Freemasonry? You'll be surprised at the answers.
more....
The Digital Order of Knights Quarantine
Called “The Digital Order of Knights Quarantine”, it was advertised as “not-a-degree” because it was not an actual degree.
more....
Rethinking Masonry
Let us help answer a fundamental question, from a confused newly raised brother asking “What does it all mean and where do I go from here?”
more....
The Candidate
Written in 1930, much of the advice is still relevant today - although some may provoke further thought or debate!
more....
Product Life Cycle of Freemasonry
An inconvenient truth about the product life cycle of Freemasonry
more....
Be a Unifier
Freemasonry is local. This is where we need to start. We start with our Facebook friends, our neighbours, our colleagues, our lodges…
more....
Freemasonry in the time of pandemic
The Rule of Six. Localised lockdowns. Second wave? What do we do now?! The answer is simple - engage with members, promote Masonic education and get thinking outside the lodge.
more....
What Future for Freemasonry
The current functioning of the Masonic movement has some positive aspects and others that are blatantly backward and counterproductive.
more....
Millennial Masons
What is a 'Millennial' and what do they want from Freemasonry? You'll be surprised at the answers.
more....
Membership Marketing
How to improve your Lodge Membership Marketing Program.
more....
The Anti-Social Impact of Social Media
The 'dark side' of social media and its negative effect on our mental health
more....
Sunglasses Ritual Amendment
If Freemasonry cannot meet, is this an opportunity to make a change to how we do things?
more....
Unknown Candidate - part 3
Has your lodge accepted an unknown candidate from the internet? Third in a three-part series looking at the process to accepting candidates via the internet
more....
Unknown Candidate - part 2
Outlining the social media marketing process to attract the unknown candidate to make that first enquiry
more....
Unknown Candidate - part 1
Has your lodge accepted an unknown candidate from the internet? First in a three-part series looking at the process to accepting candidates via the internet
more....
Brother of my Brother
Is the brother of a brother a brother ? Rights to visit - recognition and regularity re-evaluated.
more....
Phone App
What would make a good Masonic phone app ? Share one feature you would include in a phone app for Freemasons . . .
more....
Making Good Men, Better
What does that really mean
Ask a random Freemason the purpose of Freemasonry and the likely response will be to “make good men, better”. Research undertaken by James Justin Davis Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge
more....
Mental Health & Freemasonry
Mental Health - Raising its awareness and how we as Freemasons throughout the entire UK can help our fellow brethren and their families when they need it.
more....
Share One Thought...
Share one thought why freemasonry is relevant today - Open question posted on Facebook with a very wide range of responses from Brethren across the globe
more....
The Tipping Point of Freemasonry
Why do brothers lose interest in Freemasonry and what can we do to get that spark back? At what moment did our own thoughts begin to waver?
more....
masonic knowledge
to be a better citizen of the world
share the square with two brothers
click image to open email app on mobile device
Masonic Apparel
made to order
