Take a Pause BEFORE You Speak

When I was younger I spoke before my brain told me that what I had to say was not necessary to the conversation or, in some cases, helpful. I am very glad that the Internet as we know it today did not exist when I was a teen and young adult.

Now I measure what I say out here on the Wild Wild Web because once out there, it is pretty much out there. Do I have things that I hope no one finds? Probably but I can’t think of any off the top of my head other than some early fanfic that is out there somewhere.

Considering how people are using the way back machine to find things people said in their teens or did in their teens to besmirch them, I am glad that I took a conservative view of sharing my private views. My mantra has been since I got on the Internet, “If I wouldn’t say it in a public area or to the face of the person I am talking about, I don’t say it.” Simple as that.

I can’t say I like the Internet version of “telephone” where something is said and it goes around the Internet until it becomes something entirely not what was said. I have been spending more time recently on Snopes and other sites that look at the veracity of what is being said.

I take anything I read on the Internet with more than one grain of salt.

I am grateful for my parents teaching me to think before I speak.