Ten Steps to Internet Tolerance

The Premise: Tolerance as a Conscious Act

Tolerance on the Internet is more difficult to practice than in real life because of the disinhibition effect, polarization and anonymity.

Online tolerance is not "putting up" with everything, but an active exercise of respect, empathy and critical thinking.

The first step is to recognize the humanity of the other. Remember that "Admin123" or "@UserRandom" is a real person, with their own feelings and context.

The second step is to pause before posting. The immediacy of the internet invites us to react from emotion (anger, indignation).

Tolerance requires taking a deep breath and asking, "Does this comment add anything? Is it respectful?".

Steps to Dialogue and Disagreement Management.

The third step is to agree to disagree. The Internet is not an echo chamber for confirming our ideas; diversity of opinion is its basis.

The fourth step is to debate ideas, not attack people (avoid ad hominem attack). "Your argument is weak" is debating; "You're an idiot" is flaming.

Fifth, avoid generalizations. Phrases like "Everyone who..." or "People like you..." are hate fuel.

Sixth, be aware of one's own biases. Am I reacting this way because the person is of a different collective, gender or ideology?

Steps for Action and Protection of the Environment

Tolerance does not mean being passive in the face of intolerance. The seventh step is not to feed the troll.

Tolerance does not mean wasting time with those who only seek to provoke. The eighth step is to denounce hate speech.

Tolerance has a limit: the violation of human rights and dignity.

Harassment, racism, homophobia or misogyny are not "opinions", they are aggressions.

The ninth step is to create and protect safe spaces. Contribute to online communities where respect prevails and rules are clear.