The science behind bashing

The urban dictionary defines bashing as the attack on somebody or something on sight. Nowadays however, bashing is happening on “site” and social media is the battlefield.

Have we ever really asked ourselves therefore why hate thrives online and many times people just seem to have lost their minds?

Yes I admit, I too can get  critical, am sure many of us would say the same about themselves. However, crossing the line between hate and criticism is actually the point of contention. We all get criticized and personally, I have become quite used to it. Constructive criticism helps me most of all to improve myself as lifelong learning is a mindset I choose to live by.

Hating someone or something on the other hand has been quite evident online and one can’t help but wonder why some people choose to cross the line. They say  there is a science behind bashing – the kind that goes beyond criticism and leans more toward loathing.

Evidence has shown that cyber bullying says more about the perpetrator rather than the victim as people who are content and whole do not feel the need to degrade another and throw public outbursts. Believe it or not, science tells us that, the cure to cyber bullying or online hatred is simply finding your joy even in the most unpleasant of times.

While some people are busy lining up the hate by building many different layers of it, whether it be physical or psychological, people who are content on the other hand simply mind their own business and move forward. Those who choose to be anonymous are in my opinion the worst kind of “bashers” and hiding only protects their cowardice as it is easier for them to proceed with their unacceptable behavior.

The reasons behind hating are complex, but science is proving that the fear of oneself or the fear of the other are the two most obvious causes, as unwanted parts of the self or envy are projected and thus justifying such actions.

So what therefore is the antidote to hate? Science shows us that compassion is the answer and this is a value we ought to develop in our children in order to prepare them for adulthood.

Self hate or hate for others boils down to the lack of compassion and we are learning that being compassionate with ourselves and others makes us whole.  We must be conscious of our own feelings and how this demonstrates or turns into a projection toward others.

It is obviously very crucial to work on oneself first before attempting to “pick” on the other, and by doing so we form a proper check and balance. It really is a choice in the end between aggression and compassion.

Education is the key to overcoming hate, and in as much as doctors explain to us the underlying factors that make up a basher, our families, our teachers and other members in our communities should be the role models that help in leading fulfilling lives.

Compassion is just as essential as the air we breathe and such a quality not only inspires us to do great deeds but also provides the societal benefits that can make a great nation.