Lessons From the Yin Yang: in transforming online engagement

People have always had strong and opposing feelings about Palestine, but the current War on Gaza has magnified this polarisation to extreme levels. The scale of human suffering on our screens every day has shaken many of us to the core, and we are enraged by our governments’ indifference who are denying what we are seeing with our very own eyes. The racism, moral corruption and injustice that permeates our Western “democracy” has been revealed — and a different kind of battle rages within the comment sections of social media.

I understand. When I see comments that minimise the suffering in Gaza, that trivialises the grave injustices, or distorts the truths that are clear to see; a primal part of me roars. The urge to protect, to correct, to defend — it's a natural human reaction, but when we lash out, we may inadvertently undermine the very cause we’re advocating for.

This is not to say that we should stay silent or not stand up for what is right; it’s about the how. It’s about responding in a way that embodies the truth we wish to uphold. If we don't, we're just perpetuating the cycle of, "I'm right, you're wrong," and isn't that the very pattern that keeps us here?

Believe me, I realise the enormity of what I'm suggesting, especially when we’re talking about genocide. But this isn't about diluting the truth or falsely equating incomparable situations. This is about choosing not to reflect the same righteous vitriol that is projected at us, and instead, to demonstrate — through our words, actions, and intentions — the respect and dignity we are standing for.

Applying the yin yang philosophy reminds me that within each of us lies a piece of the other. A symbol of the harmony of opposites, it’s an invitation to find the me in you, and to see the you in me; to see our shared humanity in our differences.

It is here that transformation becomes possible – when compassion, empathy, and a genuine striving for understanding, can replace the reflexive reactions of anger and division.

I find these three steps helpful for maintaining my capacity when engaging online:

1. Check who you're talking to – is it a real person or just a bot* looking to take up space? Do they have something genuine to say? Remember our energy is precious. Don’t waste it having meaningless arguments.

2. If they're sincere, even if you totally disagree, consider their perspective. Will responding to them lead to a real conversation, or just add to the noise?

3. If choosing to comment, keep it factual and respectful. Aim for the kind of exchange that mirrors what you wish to see in the world.

*Don’t get sucked into arguing with bots (speaking from experience here!) Before reacting to a provoking comment, check out who’s behind it. If their profile has no posts, chances are it’s a bot, or someone just trying to stir up trouble. Don’t give them the satisfaction or the spotlight.

Let us gift our attention to authentic dialogue, so that every interaction may strengthen the bonds that connect us and honour each other’s right to live with safety, dignity, and freedom. True peace can only emerge from justice, and justice can only come from the genuine recognition of how intrinsically connected we all are.

In you, I see a reflection of myself, and within me, you'll find a piece of your truth.