The Shadow Self...

[magpie_mania]

Great thread and some thought-provoking posts.

It is clear that some post things they wouldn't say to someone's face. But there is another problem there. This then becomes acceptable and accepted as the norm by some. The use of swearing is a good example. There was a time when certain words were unacceptable by the vast majority of society. Most people would not have sworn in front of a lady. But what has happened? It's now acceptable, the ladies are not offended or protected but are the ones who often use it.

My views of bad language are well known on here - I don't think there is any need. But now, certain words are used frequently with changed spellings used to get round the filter.

The progression will be that what is seen as acceptable on SM will be picked up by kids, they will see it as normal and it will come into normal usage verbally, if not already.

'It's only a word' I hear .... if that's the case, and it's 'only' a word, why use it?

As I was told on here .... 'It makes me look big'.

[Old_pie]

Great thread and some thought-provoking posts.

It is clear that some post things they wouldn't say to someone's face. But there is another problem there. This then becomes acceptable and accepted as the norm by some. The use of swearing is a good example. There was a time when certain words were unacceptable by the vast majority of society. Most people would not have sworn in front of a lady. But what has happened? It's now acceptable, the ladies are not offended or protected but are the ones who often use it.

My views of bad language are well known on here - I don't think there is any need. But now, certain words are used frequently with changed spellings used to get round the filter.

The progression will be that what is seen as acceptable on SM will be picked up by kids, they will see it as normal and it will come into normal usage verbally, if not already.

'It's only a word' I hear .... if that's the case, and it's 'only' a word, why use it?

As I was told on here .... 'It makes me look big'.

Swear words have always moved on from generation to generation, and the next generation always goes on to try and shock the last. I bet most folk don't even know the origin of "bloody" and my Dad would give me an earful if I said that. Damn was about as much as was permitted.

Even now I find some words grate and I won't use them, but an interesting test is to see how a foreigner treats swear words - because they lose all nuances in another language. Most swear words that are common place now on social media or even the media have lost their impact through overuse.