It seems like everywhere you look these days, someone is being “called out” on social media. A business makes a mistake, a person posts something imperfect, or someone says the wrong thing—and before they even have a chance to learn or correct it, they’re shamed in front of hundreds (or thousands) of people.
Let’s be honest: posting a public takedown doesn’t say as much about the person or business as it does about the one doing the shaming. It often comes from a place of self-righteousness, not kindness.
A Kinder Alternative
If you truly want to help, the kind thing to do is send a private message. Quietly share your perspective. Give the person a chance to correct something they may not have even realized was wrong. Most of the time, people want to do better—they just need to know how.
Why Public Shame Doesn’t Work
Public call-outs rarely lead to growth or change. What they do create is defensiveness, division, and negativity. Social media has so much potential to connect us, to inspire us, and to lift us up. Why waste that on tearing others down?
A Personal Standard
For me, I’ve decided I don’t want to tolerate the use of social platforms for anything other than kindness, inspiration, and encouragement. There’s enough stress in the world already. Why add to it?
So here’s my invitation:
Before you hit “post,” pause. Ask yourself—am I lifting someone up, or am I just trying to prove a point?
The world doesn’t need more critics. It needs more compassion.
Be kind. Do better. Use your words to build, not break.
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