Masked by the Internet

You have to wonder why blogging is so popular. When I surf the waves of the internet I have no face. I'm free to say what I like, be whoever I want to be, express myself however I want because there's no guilt or real judgement. There's no consequences to suffer, no expectation to hold, no pressure to fit into the limiting mould that stops us from doing what we really feel or be what we really want. It's liberating.

It's also dangerous. It's so easy to become detached when you're communicating from a keyboard, you just don't realise who you're hurting. Not that you'll feel any guilt. If you cyber insult someone you're magically removed from the emotional hurt. It feels good to do and say things that wouldn't normally be acceptable in civilised society.

How many of the insulting tweets come from people who are perfect model citizens in the real world? Who are the people lurking in the web forums, waiting for an opportunity to unleash a torrent of hate and anger? They could be you or me, or your friend, a family member, your neighbour - the internet gives you the power to become something that you couldn't be in reality. We can't speak our minds, express our anger or our controversial beliefs in society without being excluded and judged.

Humans are social, it doesn't make sense to make enemies and cause friction - we do better to hold our tongues and to work with each other. It's simply survival and it makes sense. So are we surprised by what happens when the normal rules of society are removed? Probably not. The internet can be dangerous, but then it can also be a space to truly be yourself.

Sometimes the person we are isn't ideal or pleasant, but surely we have a right to expression? If we didn't feel the need to share our thoughts and feelings, then why do so many people blog? There's an audience, and what's best is its an audience that cant see your face. As I write, I'm able to say things that perhaps wouldn't be heard in the real world.

People deserve to be listened to. That is why I have decided to blog. I want to speak for the people who don't get heard by society, who are forgotten, who are misunderstood. I'm talking about mental health. It's insane to keep it quiet. Things need to change. I'm passionate about raising awareness. The internet seems like a good place to start!