MARQUETTE – If you’d like to get an idea of how much hate and ugliness exists in this world, you need not look further than social media.

My feed on Facebook and Twitter is constantly riddled with it. Backhanded comments. Name-calling. Threats of violence. Political bashing. Racism. Sexism. Homophobia. I see it every day.

While much violence and vile behavior exists out in the “real world,” as we’ve seen in recent weeks with terrorist attacks, mass shootings, unwarranted killings by cops on citizens and citizens on cops dominating the news cycle – a lot of our world’s problematic behavior starts with fingers on a keyboard.

As someone in the news business, I frequent the comment sections of local media outlets to see what readers in our target area have to say about certain issues. Every time I do this, I walk away from my computer disappointed.

My neighbors, those living right in my own back yard, are judging each other’s viewpoints in the nastiest of ways. Calling each other horrible names, degrading those different from themselves and in some instances, detailing physical threats.

When people sit alone behind a screen, they’re not exposed to the reactions they’d experience in a real-life conversation. It’s much easier to click “send” than to say these things to someone’s face.

While some may categorize these seemingly “harmless” comments as “healthy debate,” in most instances, they’re far from it. There’s a lack of empathy in online interactions that’s unsettling.

What you say and how you act toward others does make an impact. Your actions do matter. Your words have the ability to cause heartbreak – to tear apart families, to promote physical violence, to make someone question their existence, to cause real and palpable damage.

While we can’t ignore the serious issues impacting us all, we can and should discuss them in a positive and healthy manner. Not everyone is going to agree with you. We’re all different and unique beings sharing in this life together. Our differences are something that we should value, not use to wage wars on each other.

We’re given the same amount of hours each day as the person sitting next to us, and what we do with that time is our choice. Instead of spewing hate, go out and make a difference in our community, in our world.

Volunteer for one of the many charitable organizations in Marquette County. Call up one of your local legislators to talk about issues affecting the community. Visit one of the U.P.’s many museums or historical sites to learn about the area’s roots and the many different cultures that have helped make it what it is today. Reach out to a friend, relative or complete stranger that might need your help – online or in person.

Speaking your mind and expressing your viewpoints doesn’t have to simultaneously offend or disprove another’s. We can fix this. Change starts at home.

Editor’s note: Kelsie Thompson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206.