I increasingly have folks tell me Twitter is a 'toxic' place

What they don't realize is that they themselves contribute to the toxicity.

Here is how, and how to be better:
[thread]

First, I have not always recognized all these, and like many have been guilty myself at times, but I recognize more going forward and have made changes, and that is all we can do.

But, that said, I also haven't been the worst offender. ;)

1 Anonymity
There are a few anonymous accounts that are truly gems like @barttels2 , but most anonymous accts are people who say things they would not say if their name were attached. (*cough cowards*)

If you are anonymous. Reconsider. & definitely lean polite

2 Disagreement

Disagreeing with someone is the hallmark of debate, but explain where and how you disagree. One-offs don't advance conversation

Make a thread, and explain the points of disagreement

3. Moving on

If today's topic is baseball, don't bring up the fact that four days ago you disagreed about soccer. It's not germane and just furthers a 'tribe' mentally

it's ok to agree 65% with someone https://soundcloud.com/plenarysession/ep253

4. Don't be the 5th person to pile on. Especially, if you have not briefed yourself on the arguments.

That means if the reply thread says 6. restrain yourself from commenting

5. When folks inevitably cross the line in your replies, and they will, often anonymous folks

Don't 'like' the tweet.

Perhaps have the courage to say
"You know what, we disagree, but that is inappropriate"

If the comment is very inappropriate block that person.

It's not good to let it slide because the person is on 'your side'.

It makes the place toxic

Encouraging bad behavior is the #1 way you fuel toxicity

6. Don't criticize someone's choice of clothes (or appearance/ non relevant characteristics ever) if you disagree about their viewpoint

Think it doesn't happen?
Well, it does. Even among full professors!

7. Don't snitch tag
especially a subtweet https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-snitch-tagging-20190105-story.html

8. If you have a strong opinion and are arguing, don't call in your 'team' by adding a bunch of people to the chain

@ all my friends

9. When possible, debate someone in their replies, and not with a quote tweet

Just for ease of reading

10. 3 passes

Give it 3 tries, and then mute the thread.

Most of arguments restate points made early

11. Take long breaks from twitter, but don't announce your comings and goings

Please don't announce them

12. Don't expect a reply from others

13. Realize most of these arguments don't matter

14. Learn to agree 65% with others. All or nothing is tearing apart our society

really https://soundcloud.com/plenarysession/ep253

15. Beyond debate: even better than arguing with someone is to think about the topic for a while, and just make your entirely separate thread that makes the points you wish to make, and does not instigate a quarrel

16. Debate points of view, not someone's right to hold that view (very tiring to read)

17. If you don't understand something, there is no need to offer an opinion

you know the saying...
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt"

18. Recognize that this website profits from bringing out the worst in you

19. I am not a social media expert, but I am also not sure I believe there is such a thing

That's all for now!

20. I left out the best part. Never make a big deal about word choice in a tweet. It's a short forum and of course we can all reword to our preference. Only argue about substantive disagreements