Dougal Sutherland: Umbrella Wellbeing Clinical Psychologist on hate and negativity in texts, social media comments

Everyone has an opinion and as technology has progressed, it’s become easier and easier for people to make their opinions known. 

And while this has allowed for greater communication and debate around various topics, it’s also allowed for people to share waves of vitriol, hatred, and unhelpful commentary. 

Clinical Psychologist Dr Dougal Sutherland told Kerre Woodham that with social media, it’s very easy for us to be an “expert” in everything. 

“We have a whole lot of information fed to us – we don’t necessarily digest it, but we can say very quickly what we think is right or wrong.” 

In comparison to calling into something like talkback radio, social media and texting is instant, allowing people to fire off their five cents and move on. 

“Then you’ve got this personal investment,” Sutherland told Woodham. 

“Your adrenaline’s going, you’re part of the story ... then someone says something, and you’re already riled up.” 

“I think we’re being shaped by social media to react strongly, because that’s the thing that gets likes, and that’s the thing that gets ratings, and that’s the things that get, y’know, the algorithm working.” 

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