Hate speech in your feed? Here's how to avoid it.
From racism to antisemitism and transphobia, it's not hard to spot hate speech while scrolling through social media.
This week, my colleague David Oliver spoke to experts about how our divisive climate has stoked the partisan fires of social media, making hateful rhetoric a given across platforms despite efforts to tone it down.
The key to pushing past said hate? Disengaging.
Here are some tips to help avoid hate in your social feeds:
Don't fight fire with fire. Engaging may only make matters worse, especially if you push hate right back.
If you're the subject of hate speech, report it to the appropriate authorities.
Be intentional about your connections and content you consume.
And of course, limit your social media use. Nothing to get mad about – virtually, anyway – if you don't expose yourself to it.
To read David's full story, click here.
Are you looking for sex or intimacy?
There's a difference between the two.
In this week's column, Millennial Therapist Sara Kuburic explains that "being intimate" has somehow become a polite way of talking about sex, and yet sex and intimacy are not synonyms.
Simply, sex is a physical act, while intimacy can be physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual or experiential.
Often when people feel the need for intimacy, they assume they will get it by having sex. But it’s not always that simple. Spoiler alert: Sometimes sex isn't intimate like you want it to be.
If you are craving emotional intimacy, for example, a purely sexual encounter can feel disappointing and unfulfilling. On the other hand, many activities feel incredibly intimate that have nothing to do with sex.
To learn more, click here to read the full column.
What to do if you're stressed about the midterms
With the midterm election less than a week away, scores of Americans divided by their support for Republicans or Democrats also are united – by stress.
And it makes sense why they are.
"The midterms determine the balance of power in the Senate and Congress. This has, arguably, significant consequences," says licensed therapist Mona Eshaiker. "With the ever-increasing political polarization in the U.S., every election can feel like an 'us vs. them' battle, where our beliefs and values are potentially on the chopping block."
How can we take the stress down a notch? Here are some tips:
Master your morning so you can master your day: Nefertiti Nowell, a licensed clinical professional counselor in the Chicago metropolitan area, recommends brief stretching exercises and writing down something you’re grateful for – preferably a new source of gratitude every day.
Turn off your news alerts: "Ensuring the hour before you go to bed is free from electronics is helpful to wind down and keep the nervous system regulated," Eshaiker says. "Similarly, you can limit yourself to media blocks throughout the day. For example, only checking the news for 30 minutes twice a day. This way you are less likely to (doom) scroll or go into an anxious spiral."
Channel your stress: Instead of pacing your home afraid, if you have the bandwidth, go forth and galvanize voters in your community. "Many individuals get a sense of purpose and strength by channeling their anxiety into action," Eshaiker says. "This can look like attending a town hall, volunteering at the polls, canvassing, protesting, information sharing, attending workshops and seminars."
To read the full story, click here.
Today's reads
Myths about RSV and the flu: What you need to know as cases surge
People took graphic video of Takeoff's death. What's wrong with us?
Are you an 'empath'? Experts explain what you need to know.
James Corden made headlines for 'abusive' restaurant behavior. How not to be a toxic customer
October may be over, but pumpkin season isn't! Check out this recipe for pumpkin spice snickerdoodles
Today's pet
Meet Winnie.
Deb Nies of Waunakee, Wisconsin said their doggy daycare said this was the perfect costume for Winnie the Cavapoo as “she’s sweet… but a little prickly too.” Hah, perfect indeed! And thanks for the Halloween costume submission!
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hate speech is filling our social media feeds. Here's how to avoid it.
