Patricia Gill, Denmark Bulletin

A Denmark counselling psychologist calls on people to choose their words carefully in the Lions Club and Kwoorabup Nature School dispute.

Mahsa Anderson describes the social media platform Facebook, as having turned into a ‘war zone’ and says kindness is the key to addressing the dispute constructively.

Community discord has mounted while the Lions Club called an electors’ meeting for Tuesday, August 1, to overturn the Denmark Shire Council’s decision on April 18 to terminate their lease at a Reserve in the Heritage Precinct.

The Lions clubrooms – designated as the Lions Lair in 2003 – stands on the Reserve and has been leased to the Kwoorabup Nature School for an expanded lease to accommodate 160 students.

The Lions Club was calling for the Council’s decision to be overturned, their former lease to be returned to them and the entire area to be a Heritage Precinct. The Lions Club would have access to their building outside of school hours.

“It’s essential to care passionately about the problems we face, but the way we express our views needs improvement,” Mrs Anderson says.

She recommends to avoid engaging in toxic social media posts – either not reading them or blocking the content from the person’s feed – as continued interaction only fuels the negativity.

Though this might seem drastic Facebook is not the place to resolve issues even if people attempt to do so respectfully.

“If these posts trigger negative emotions like anger, fear, depression or anxiety, consider distancing yourself from the platform,” Mrs Anderson says.

“Some individuals purposefully provoke controversy without seeking solutions.

“Blocking or removing yourself from such discussions can protect your mental wellbeing.”

Mrs Anderson says that words carry immense power, capable of healing or causing harm.

Before commenting, everyone should think about the potential impact on the person receiving the message.

“Remember, everyone faces challenges in life, and a kind comment can make a world of difference,” Mrs Anderson says.

“Negativity affects not only others but also our own neurobiology, impacting our brain.

“Be cautious with the words you choose, for they shape both your and others’ experiences.”

Mrs Anderson suggested writing letters to Members of Parliament, attending Shire meetings, organising meetings, even standing on the roadside with a placard as an alternative to online discussion.

“It’s important to care passionately about social issues,” she said.

“But let’s strive for kindness and compassion on social media.

“By choosing our words carefully and promoting constructive dialogue, we can foster a more positive and supportive online community.” 

This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 3 August 2023.