Invicta Vlogs
Individual Liberty
I find myself, almost on a daily basis, thinking about how lucky I am to be living where I do. Reflecting on the theme for the week, living in a place where I am able to make my own choices and have so many freedoms, is something for which I am incredibly grateful. With these freedoms, also comes the requirement to think of others. We need to take the time to consider our actions and ensure that we are making suitable and appropriate decisions. Not only for ourselves but others around us - that could be directly affected by what we choose to do.
In the physical world, we have clear rules, regulations and boundaries in place which mean that we are able to express ourselves, enjoy many freedoms, as well as enjoy things in safety. Most of us are able to act and behave in a way that means that those around us are not negatively affected. In fact, many people choose to act in ways that positively benefit society, those near to them and their local communities.
I continue to wonder therefore if we have things right in the online world? While I have been enjoying the UEFA Euro 2020 competition it has been interesting to see the BT adverts promoting ‘Hope United’. It struck me straight away, what a great way this was for the promotion of sensible, responsible and positive online living. Seeing the many familiar faces backing this also reassured me that this was something that would be seen by, and resonate with, many others.
The Online World is so free and open, available to all and a great place to share and find many interesting things. This is such a positive aspect of this space and we are also really lucky to have this resource available to us. However, it is such a shame that many of the common courtesies we experience in everyday life seem to be ignored in the Online World. Many people find the Online World and Social Media space an addictive and compelling place to be. However, many also find it invasive and intrusive, due to the way in which others behave on these platforms. Even celebrities struggle with this world. People such as Ed Sheeran and Lizzo have had to take breaks from, or leave certain platforms completely, due to the negativity they have faced. Trolls can make this space really unpleasant, and we all need to play our part to make it as positive a place as we can.
We should all ensure that we are reporting concerns, not standing by and ignoring mean and rude comments but doing something about them. Taking a break from these platforms could be a really good thing to do from time to time. Freezing an account or removing an app (permanently or just for a short while) can be a liberating thing to do in its own right. As we move towards the summer break, perhaps now is a good time to think about how you make use of the Online World. Is it time to step away for a while? Are you always positive and responsible in your use and interactions on these platforms? Do you need to do more to support these spaces being positive places to exist?
We do all have our freedoms, both online and in the physical world, and this is such a wonderful thing. But could we do more to ensure that these freedoms are used positively, sensitively and sensibly when exploring ideas and trying to express ourselves? Are others around us doing the same? If the answer is not an emphatic ‘YES’ then perhaps now is a good time to reflect on this and consider what more we could do to ensure that everyone is able to feel free and happy in this blended world in which we live.
If you want to find out more about BT’s Hope United campaign click here: https://bthopeunited.com/
Mr R Ehren
Deputy Head – Lower School
