For Crying Out Loud, Say Hello To Kindness!
Last May, after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got hitched, I was chatting with a journalist friend of mine about the media’s treatment of the newlyweds. Apart from the coverage concerning Meghan’s relationship with her dad (and other family members), it felt like the vibe was celebratory, welcoming, and encouraging.
“I wonder how long it will take before people start pitting Meghan against Kate,” I said.
Turns out, not long.
And while there have been some harsh words in newspaper headlines and Samantha Markle interviews on TV, the worst kind of vitriol is saved for social media.
They’re coming for you
Even the Royal-friendly Hello! magazine has noticed an increase in abusive online comments – you know, sexist and racist ones – on their social media platforms. The comments are not just reserved for Duchess Kate and Duchess Meghan, but also aimed at other social media users on the Hello! platforms.
Take a scroll and you’ll see that calling Kate ‘boring’ will send the #TeamKate mob on the attack, just as criticizing Meghan’s nail polish or messy buns will result in her fans grabbing their torches.
Hello! says the attacks have become so prolific that it’s getting tough for their small team to manage the comment boards on social media. It’s a problem the Kensington Palace team is having as well.
How do we solve this problem?
So in response, this week Hello! magazine has launched a campaign they’re calling ‘Hello to Kindness’, encouraging their readers to have a bit more consideration – and kindness – when posting on Hello!’s social media feeds.
Sounds reasonable, right?
Well, sort of. On social media, nothing is that simple. And even announcing a campaign that cynics might call a bit saccharine was met with behavior that was…well, unkind.
Hello! was lumped in with the evil media and attacked for being part of the problem. Let’s be honest – many journalists and media outlets couldpractice a bit more kindness in their reporting. Sluggish sales and vast competition has turned some journalism into a sea of clickbait and shocking headlines designed to provoke or outrage. But let’s take a closer look at Hello!
Hello!’s top online story today is Frank Lampard (who?) sharing a picture of his wife and baby daughter. Next up is the news that Meghan’s ‘amazing' Reformation stripe dress is now back in stock. Further scrolling shows nothing particularly shocking or unkind.
Now these types of stories – cute Prince George anecdotes and holiday fashion – are a far cry from what you might find in some other publications – but Hello! is not talking about them. They are starting at home – thinking that people who like the innocent escapism they publish can make a commitment to be kind to the other members in their community.
The two sides of social media
Hello!’s campaign has unfortunately highlighted the reality of social media. Good intentions can get misinterpreted and twisted. Lines are drawn and people choose a side.
Yet at the same time, it’s highlighted that we can use social media as a force for good. We can use it to bring people together.
Some people are already coming together, applauding – and committing – to Hello!’s kindness campaign. Others are suggesting that there is more other media outlets could do to demonstrate kindness, signalling that a bigger conversation is needed.
There is a learning here, folks – and here’s what I hope people take away: the world needs more kindness. And when we show kindness to others, it is contagious.
It’s the kind of thing we need to practice to pass on.
Go on, be kind!
If you don’t believe me, go do something kind for someone – see what happens. Or think about how you’ve felt – and responded – when someone has shown you some kindness.
And don’t forget – being kind actually makes you feel better and brings other benefits, including improving your health and relationships, and reducing your stress.
So regardless of where you get your news or escapism, or which Duchess you relate to more (why choose? #TeamDuchesses), let’s agree we can all benefit from practicing a bit more consideration and compassion.
Resist the urge to make (or like) an unkind comment on social media – and say hello to kindness instead.
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