Problematic Pandemic Posts

Are we making the Pandemic more toxic by what we post online? 

As we enter into the second month of the United States’ response to the global Coronavirus Pandemic, I have frequently encountered three dysfunctional kinds of problematic Pandemic posts on social media: Productivity, Positivity, and Protest. The “productivity” response tells us to go above and beyond with creative responses, to make things as normal as possible, and mimic pre-pandemic life virtually. The response to any and every problem is “DO MORE STUFF!” The “positivity” response tells us to look on the bright side of this crisis to find all the hidden blessings, and if we pray hard and believe sincerely, things will turn out just fine. The  response to any and every problem is “BE HAPPY!” The “protest” response looks for someone to blame for how bad things have gotten, and if only “they” did it differently we wouldn’t be in this mess. The response to any and every problem is “COMPLAIN LOUDER!” All of these are a form of denial that pushes away reality so we don’t have to deal with it. 

The truth is, this Pandemic is going to change us and our society and our government and our economics forever. We will not go back to the way things were, and it is going to get worse before it gets better. And we have a long road ahead to travel together. So, instead of the three “P’s” of dysfunctional response (productivity, positivity, and protest), may I suggest three “H’s”: Health, Hope, and Healing. 

First, practice Health: Do what needs to be done to care for the health of you and your loved ones. This includes social distancing and medical care, of course. But beyond that, make time for your emotional and physical health. Set a schedule. Have bedtime and wake time and meal times. Eat as healthy as you can. Get exercise. Set aside time to read and pray and meditate, alone and as a family. Have conversations with people who care for you, and not just social media rants. Create routines and rituals and habits that keep you and your loved ones as healthy as possible. 

Second, practice Hope. Instead of being overly “positive” and naively optimistic, have hope. Genuine Hope accepts that pain and suffering and disappointment are going to happen, but there is life and redemption beyond that. In Christianity this is expressed by the crucifixion and the resurrection, the cross of Christ and the crown of eternal life. Yes, things will get bad. But “embrace the suck”, and know that through God’s Grace and each other’s support, we will travel through this together. 

And finally, practice Healing. Instead of protest and blame, focus on healing. Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle. The truth is, this Pandemic would be really bad no matter how it started and no matter who was in charge. And even in the countries that have most effectively dealt with the Pandemic, there is still a vast toll on their societies and economies. Blaming won’t make things better. But making plans to heal our social fabric, and taking steps to help the vulnerable and the needy, will make things better. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.