Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
A simple mindful practice that can slow the emotional response, force you to breathe, and encourage you to pause before posting.
Social media has made it possible to instantly spread our thoughts and feelings far and wide. At the same time, we often don’t even consider the huge number of people who will read what we share. How many friends do you have on social media? From 300 to 400? 500 plus? How often do you really pause before posting?
When feelings are running high, there’s a lot of fast-paced non-face-to-face communication. For teenagers, this can be especially difficult given their tendency to be impulsive.
“Teenagers are biologically more inclined to make rash decisions,” he says Tristan Garindachild and adolescent psychiatrist at the Ross Center in Washington, DC. “The part of the brain just behind the forehead that controls judgment is going through a period of rapid development at this time,” says Garinda, who studies how families use technology.
It’s all too easy for teenagers and adults alike when a moment of heightened emotion can lead to acrimonious conflict, bullying, or simply saying something that lives forever and can cause deep regret.
Gorrindo created a practice called WAIT, designed with teenagers in mind (but perfect for those living in today’s digital world). Here are 4 questions to ask yourself before publishing:
W = general audience
“Would I say that in front of a school assembly?” (If you’re an adult, imagine your entire office.)
A = Influence
“Am I in a good emotional state right now?”
I = Intention
“Perhaps my intention is misunderstood?”
T = Today
“Today, tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow? Can it wait a day?”
Assessing the urgency of what we are about to say can provide a useful injection of perspective. Why is it so urgent? What happens if you pause before posting? And if you wait, can you experience it differently later?
