Stop the Insanity.

They say power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. This old adage finds plenty of examples in history—from power hungry dictators to giants of capitalism. Even religious clergy have been known to misuse the powers bestowed upon them to terrorize and intimidate the masses.

These days, especially in Pakistan, there is a new type of tyrant. One who makes it into our homes and lives totally unnoticed until it’s too late and there’s no escape.

I’m talking about the trash talking “critic/authority of everything” on social media. This type of person uses his or her power of free speech online to troll other FB pages and post negative comments about anything and everything… from restaurants to celebrities, small businesses to big ones, brands to ad campaigns. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for free speech, but I believe that there is a fine line between constructive criticism and straight up abuse.

Here are the 3 types of trash talkers that I find most toxic

The “Whine-O”: Seen mostly on food blogs, the “whine-o” has never had a good dining experience. This person is always unsatisfied and has visual aids to prove it. The bread is always too cold, the soup too hot, the waiter too short, the atmosphere too atmosphere-y… nothing ever satisfies the “whine-o” until of course a coupon for a free meal is extended by the unlucky restaurant owner who is the victim of the day.

The Rent A Mob: Before any sort of news is validated or a piece of information is authenticated, these folks will amplify and spread misinformation across social media. Rumours of a coup? Karachi under martial law?... whatever it is,  they will hear it and spread it and tag their entire friends list in order to create mass hysteria. It’s not enough that they are misinformed, their aim is to involve their mom’s best friend’s older brother’s cousin and everyone in between is as well.

The “Authority” on Ads: This self-proclaimed authority with no actual experience will post critiques of ads that have little logic or reason. Reviews will just be a barrage of negativity supported by expletives and no real analysis. It tickles me when I read comments like “This was wayyy off brief” or “they obviously don’t know their consumer.” Yes we do. But not all ads are meant for you oh urban, 18-25 year old Facebook-er!

I think it's time we all take a moment to understand the great responsibility that comes with being netizens. Our words have the power to shape opinions as well as reputations and we owe it to ourselves and the entire online community to take a moment before posting.  Stop. Breathe. Walk away. And then (maybe) press return.