It’s taken work but I’ve learned to block (both mentally and technologically) the toxic people in my social medias. I don’t deal with all that. People think it’s me being in a bubble, but trust me: if a site has a comments section, there’s no escaping such hatreds and whatnot. Twitter ragers and internet trolls are everywhere. You can get rid of social media, but the only way to get rid of THEM is to block communication entirely.
A story: Years ago, in my rather naïve youth, I thought it might be interesting to join FB. First thing they asked for after asking my name (it’s quite unique) was my birth date. No way. I entered a fictional date, and FB came right back and told me I must enter my real birth date. Creepy! That’s what the “close window” button is for, and I used it. I’ve never been back and never will go back.
George Orwell got it wrong in one respect. Big Brother hasn’t forced himself on us and terrified us into compliance, Big Brother has seduced us. His motives are the same, however.
I dropped out of “Facebook” after the 2016 election when it was shown that the honchos at “Facebook” were actively supporting Putin and the Russian Federation.
I’ve NEVER been involved with “Twitter” because (1) the great bloody Twit has dominated its use and (2) how can ANY intelligent person express a cogent thought in just 144 character? (yes, I know, they’ve upped it to 288 characters – it’s still much too limiting for my liking!)
The first and only thing I learned about Facebook wast that you got a page, wrote a little bit about yourself, and then a bunch of total strangers claimed to be your friends.
I could not see any reason why a sane person would do that, so I ignored it from then on.
Just get rid of the “Smart-Phones”…. They seem to be the source of the Facebook /Twitter addiction. Please note Stephan does not show anyone using a laptop ;-)
Never had Twitter and have gotten my Facebook usage down to birthday and Anniversary greetings. No other social media platforms to speak of other than GoComics. It is rather nice.
Excellent, but if you can’t stand the heat stay off the net! What I am sad about are the kids that kill themselves due to cyberbullying. Parents, check what your kids are doing on the net! It’s the Lord of the Flies out there.
Seriously, I am so sick and tired of people who get on a platform like Twitter, say something stupid and ignorant and bigoted, and then when their careers and lives inevitably implode as a result, cry and moan about “cancel culture.” Like you, Mandalorian Girl. Let’s get something straight: you’re not saying it in your living room, or at a bar, or next to the water cooler at work. You are screaming it to the entire world. When you pick a fight with the world, and the world responds by picking up a pool cue and beating you so savagely that you walk funny and slur your words for the rest of your life, it’s all on you.
Before the last election I responded hastily to a Tweet—before doing my own research— and made a comment that was unkind—not hateful—before going to bed. The next morning, when fully awake, I researched the data and realized I had made an error; the offended person had asked for an apology and I responded by asking for forgiveness for my foolish comment. He was gracious and accepted my apology. THE TAKE-HOME LESSON: In the brief time my tweet was up—it was interesting to see what everyone thought was my problem. It seems that many people used my poorly researched tweet to come out swinging against their favorite demon (right-wing, left wing, red-neck, commie, etc.). Many of these commenters were silenced with the mea culpa I offered. I think Stephan is correct, our world would be a better place where differing views can be discussed without fanning the fires of dissension.
The social networks I’ve been on that were actually good had human moderators and well-defined rules. They weren’t just free-for-alls moderated by machines that flag vulgar words and little else.
To be fair, social media doesn’t create awful people – it’s just a medium that allows them to express their awfulness far and wide. Sadly, people weren’t all that wonderful before social media.
Yep. I have cut back on my social media and guess what…I’m a happier person! Doesn’t mean I’ve cut it out altogether. Just no SM three days a week. It’s actually refreshing.
Social media sites are bitter sweet. This is the only site I post on! Quit FB almost two years ago and don’t miss it! Never had other sites for they just cause grief and the nasty trolls without a soul take advantage! NOPE! I’m good!
So far most of the people I see here just want to have a bit of fun, which is why the internet was invented. I have seen some trolls bring their pre-canned hate, usually irrelevant to whatever the comic is saying, but for the most part the people here are kind and just want a little laugh in their day. I just want to acknowledge the kind hearted here.
You could take a look back at the ’70s, ’80s, & ’90s (or pick your fav pre-social media decade) and you will see that there was still a fair amount of lying and nastiness. Social media has made everything, good and bad, faster and more accessible.
I don’t think social media is only responsible for our current political difficulties. They started back in the ‘90s before social media really existed. Our difficulty comes from people thinking that it’s a sign of weakness to compromise or even treat an opposing view as if it may have merit. Social media just amplifies it.
Facebook, Twitter, Parler; all tools. Their usefulness depends on on the tool but on the user. A hammer can build a house or crack a skull, I see few calls for banning hammers
If you don’t like social media you should stop checking it. If you do like social media, but there are too many toxic people, just don’t read what the toxic people say or cut off from them if you actually know them and it will be much better. You can’t say “social media makes life worse, I wish it didn’t exist”, it’s your choice to use it or not.
Great job today Sir at nearly 61, I’ve never been on Twit, facebook is more my speed. I’m certain I will get banned soon enough, I already have two strikes for bulling. I seem to be a little harsh for Zucks robots, GoComics has apparently made me mean ?
But what would the Democrats and the liberal media do if there were no social media to spread misinformation? They might have to (horror of horrors) actually verify their stories!
BE THIS GUY over 3 years ago
You can check out Stephan’s Twitter account here: https://mobile.twitter.com/stephanpastis
Concretionist over 3 years ago
Strangely enough, I’m going to post this to a social medium…
jimrh74 over 3 years ago
Never did either and frankly question the sanity of people that do.
Renatus Profuturus Frigeridus Premium Member over 3 years ago
I will always think that the original lyric is pefect and that no variant is worthy of it.
Stocky One over 3 years ago
Patsis is amazing.
eolan59 over 3 years ago
I suspect John Lennon would approve
jmarkoff2 over 3 years ago
Facebook IS my source of fun.
Caldonia over 3 years ago
Oh come on, Pastis. You use Twitter, it says so right down there.
Kveldulf over 3 years ago
Thank you, Stephan.
TwilightFaze over 3 years ago
It’s taken work but I’ve learned to block (both mentally and technologically) the toxic people in my social medias. I don’t deal with all that. People think it’s me being in a bubble, but trust me: if a site has a comments section, there’s no escaping such hatreds and whatnot. Twitter ragers and internet trolls are everywhere. You can get rid of social media, but the only way to get rid of THEM is to block communication entirely.
sirbadger over 3 years ago
The reason Abraham Lincoln never joined Facebook is because Neil Armstrong told him not to. No more lies.
BasilBruce over 3 years ago
Imagine no text addicts,
I wonder if you could,
No more car wrecks or zombies,
It all would be so good.
Bilan over 3 years ago
Next scene is the people stepping outside and saying What is that bright light up there?
Alexander the Good Enough over 3 years ago
A story: Years ago, in my rather naïve youth, I thought it might be interesting to join FB. First thing they asked for after asking my name (it’s quite unique) was my birth date. No way. I entered a fictional date, and FB came right back and told me I must enter my real birth date. Creepy! That’s what the “close window” button is for, and I used it. I’ve never been back and never will go back.
George Orwell got it wrong in one respect. Big Brother hasn’t forced himself on us and terrified us into compliance, Big Brother has seduced us. His motives are the same, however.
wellis1947 Premium Member over 3 years ago
I dropped out of “Facebook” after the 2016 election when it was shown that the honchos at “Facebook” were actively supporting Putin and the Russian Federation.
I’ve NEVER been involved with “Twitter” because (1) the great bloody Twit has dominated its use and (2) how can ANY intelligent person express a cogent thought in just 144 character? (yes, I know, they’ve upped it to 288 characters – it’s still much too limiting for my liking!)
blunebottle over 3 years ago
Yay, Pig! You are an inspiration!
ConnieEmbury1 over 3 years ago
Love it!
ronaldspence over 3 years ago
Well said Pastis…to misquote the Bard, “Perhaps the strips the thing, to catch the conscience of the (king) culture?”
cracker65 over 3 years ago
AMEN!!!!
LookingGlass Premium Member over 3 years ago
What is this thing called Fakebook and Twittler?? And why should I care??
/SNARK/
jimchronister2016 over 3 years ago
Good morning Stephan, thanks, great job
me_the_polish_gull over 3 years ago
“Imagine” by John Lennon in the key of PBS. Love it.
Robin Harwood over 3 years ago
The first and only thing I learned about Facebook wast that you got a page, wrote a little bit about yourself, and then a bunch of total strangers claimed to be your friends.
I could not see any reason why a sane person would do that, so I ignored it from then on.
Robin Harwood over 3 years ago
And a useful bit from JoNova.
https://joannenova.com.au/2021/04/hate-weaponizing-a-word-to-shut-people-up/
GROG Premium Member over 3 years ago
It’ll take one powerful imaginination but it’s worth a try.
Asharah over 3 years ago
SING IT PIG!
Zoturdley Premium Member over 3 years ago
Outstanding today Mr. Pastis.
TampaFanatic1 over 3 years ago
Good one Pastis. I am pinning this one. This is definitely in your top 10!
Frog-on-a-Log Premium Member over 3 years ago
Profound.
iggyman over 3 years ago
LIKE!
Breadboard over 3 years ago
Just get rid of the “Smart-Phones”…. They seem to be the source of the Facebook /Twitter addiction. Please note Stephan does not show anyone using a laptop ;-)
willispate over 3 years ago
this strip gets my full approval. the Comic Strip Censor: even I love this Sunday Strip.
Ukko wilko over 3 years ago
I dropped Facebutt a few years back and never did Twitter, not wanting to be a Twit. Don’t miss either one.
Aladar30 Premium Member over 3 years ago
Beautiful.
some idiot from R'lyeh Premium Member over 3 years ago
Surely you need an extra verse for comment sections?
lavender headgear over 3 years ago
Can’t wait to share this!
MS72 over 3 years ago
Is Pastis announcing retirement?
LizardPriest over 3 years ago
Just say no to social media.
Doug K over 3 years ago
Imagine everyone doing what they can do (or not do) to make the world a better place to live.
cdward over 3 years ago
Never had Twitter and have gotten my Facebook usage down to birthday and Anniversary greetings. No other social media platforms to speak of other than GoComics. It is rather nice.
NeedaChuckle Premium Member over 3 years ago
Excellent, but if you can’t stand the heat stay off the net! What I am sad about are the kids that kill themselves due to cyberbullying. Parents, check what your kids are doing on the net! It’s the Lord of the Flies out there.
LizardPriest over 3 years ago
Seriously, I am so sick and tired of people who get on a platform like Twitter, say something stupid and ignorant and bigoted, and then when their careers and lives inevitably implode as a result, cry and moan about “cancel culture.” Like you, Mandalorian Girl. Let’s get something straight: you’re not saying it in your living room, or at a bar, or next to the water cooler at work. You are screaming it to the entire world. When you pick a fight with the world, and the world responds by picking up a pool cue and beating you so savagely that you walk funny and slur your words for the rest of your life, it’s all on you.
OldTooly Premium Member over 3 years ago
I actually deactivated my anti – social media accounts last month and couldn’t be happier.
Owhatadoc Premium Member over 3 years ago
Before the last election I responded hastily to a Tweet—before doing my own research— and made a comment that was unkind—not hateful—before going to bed. The next morning, when fully awake, I researched the data and realized I had made an error; the offended person had asked for an apology and I responded by asking for forgiveness for my foolish comment. He was gracious and accepted my apology. THE TAKE-HOME LESSON: In the brief time my tweet was up—it was interesting to see what everyone thought was my problem. It seems that many people used my poorly researched tweet to come out swinging against their favorite demon (right-wing, left wing, red-neck, commie, etc.). Many of these commenters were silenced with the mea culpa I offered. I think Stephan is correct, our world would be a better place where differing views can be discussed without fanning the fires of dissension.
RitaGB over 3 years ago
And how many people will post here but swear this is NOT Social Media!
Ignatz Premium Member over 3 years ago
They should call it “anti-social networking.”
Ignatz Premium Member over 3 years ago
The social networks I’ve been on that were actually good had human moderators and well-defined rules. They weren’t just free-for-alls moderated by machines that flag vulgar words and little else.
Cameron1988 Premium Member over 3 years ago
Imagine there not being 24/7 news
JoeStoppinghem Premium Member over 3 years ago
Your best work, Mr. Pastis.
I too have stopped checking FB. Many of my childhood friend’s posts had so much anger and hatrid.Jeffin Premium Member over 3 years ago
Luv U Pig.
Major Matt Mason Premium Member over 3 years ago
Imagine no webcomics
It’s not that hard to do
No horrid puns before us
No preachy writing, too
Willywise52 Premium Member over 3 years ago
And it starts with one person…YOU!
pheets over 3 years ago
Good one!
Masterskrain over 3 years ago
PERFECT!!
mikeszeller Premium Member over 3 years ago
I may record this on Smule and post it to YouTube!
Mr. Organization over 3 years ago
To be fair, social media doesn’t create awful people – it’s just a medium that allows them to express their awfulness far and wide. Sadly, people weren’t all that wonderful before social media.
Huckleberry Hiroshima over 3 years ago
Well okay.
tim.lowell over 3 years ago
Ok, Gal Gadot, NOW get your celebrity friends together…we have a new song for you.
dalemcginnis over 3 years ago
this is a lot better lyrics than the original version
Cary Rodda Premium Member over 3 years ago
Yep. I have cut back on my social media and guess what…I’m a happier person! Doesn’t mean I’ve cut it out altogether. Just no SM three days a week. It’s actually refreshing.
ssampeer over 3 years ago
I don’t think John would mind the modification to his lyrics.
chris_o42 over 3 years ago
I have got to post this on FakeBook!
DebUSNRet over 3 years ago
EXCELLENT!
KeithRoman over 3 years ago
Yes, this promotes a more peaceful world than the atheistic socialism of the original song. . . .
Bucinka over 3 years ago
I’ve never used either of those. You don’t have to imagine it—just DO it.
Byron Spears over 3 years ago
My kind of idealist leaves hating any class of people out of the equation.
i_am_the_jam over 3 years ago
Sigh, if only…
david_42 over 3 years ago
And not a single pun!
VICTOR PROULX over 3 years ago
He missed commenters on Pearls Before Swine
jel354 over 3 years ago
A touching and heartfelt homage and reimagination.
Zebrastripes over 3 years ago
Social media sites are bitter sweet. This is the only site I post on! Quit FB almost two years ago and don’t miss it! Never had other sites for they just cause grief and the nasty trolls without a soul take advantage! NOPE! I’m good!
Radish... over 3 years ago
I can remember people who trolled me before there were computers, we just didn’t call them trolls back then.
johndifool over 3 years ago
Living is easy with eyes closed
Misunderstanding all you see
It’s getting hard to be someone but it all works out
It doesn’t matter much to me
Let me take you down, cause I’m going to Strawberry Fields
Nothing is real and nothing to get hung about
Strawberry Fields forever
Dave459 over 3 years ago
Thank you John
kartis over 3 years ago
So far most of the people I see here just want to have a bit of fun, which is why the internet was invented. I have seen some trolls bring their pre-canned hate, usually irrelevant to whatever the comic is saying, but for the most part the people here are kind and just want a little laugh in their day. I just want to acknowledge the kind hearted here.
jlsnell327 over 3 years ago
This belongs in the “Best of” compilation!
uniquename over 3 years ago
You could take a look back at the ’70s, ’80s, & ’90s (or pick your fav pre-social media decade) and you will see that there was still a fair amount of lying and nastiness. Social media has made everything, good and bad, faster and more accessible.
I don’t think social media is only responsible for our current political difficulties. They started back in the ‘90s before social media really existed. Our difficulty comes from people thinking that it’s a sign of weakness to compromise or even treat an opposing view as if it may have merit. Social media just amplifies it.
martynhappyone over 3 years ago
Well done Stephan!
becida over 3 years ago
And with that we begin “Turn off your phone week”!
tsk5565 over 3 years ago
Let’s all go out and burn Pastis comics
Otis Rufus Driftwood over 3 years ago
John Lennon would be proud of this.
craig1973 over 3 years ago
This is one of best things I have seen in awhile.
cromwelljones53 over 3 years ago
We can stop anytime we want. Mob Mentality is over, if you want it.
Super Fly over 3 years ago
Herr Lennon would be proud.
Bendarling1 over 3 years ago
Nice celebration of poetry month!
raybarb44 over 3 years ago
Bravo…….
TSRaman over 3 years ago
Where is Stephan Pastis? I fervently wish he lives for ever, in good health.
Ken Otwell over 3 years ago
I had already decided that today is FREEDOM FROM FACEBOOK Sunday. Perfect timing Stephan.
potatokilledme over 3 years ago
i like how everyone here is complaining about social media. what do you think this website is?
Rabies65 over 3 years ago
I have neither Facebook, not Twitter, but I’m not the only one. I hope more people will join us, go outside and see the sun.
Tetonbil over 3 years ago
Well done Stephan, well done. And thank you!
zeexenon over 3 years ago
No they banned the Craziest from FB.
jgstesl_verizon Premium Member over 3 years ago
This is right on the mark!
Gandalf over 3 years ago
Excellent! Left Facebook four months ago! Never had Twitter…
mjb515 over 3 years ago
The way to kindness is prevent people from interacting with each other. Fascinating notion.
And to get rid of lies can imagine a world without the New York Times, CNN and the Biden Administration?
Banjo Gordy Premium Member over 3 years ago
Quit Farcebook a year after it started, never had Twitter, etc. But do comment on GoComics.
the lost wizard over 3 years ago
I continue to scan today’s strip and comments for grammatical errors and will report later.
MichaelCody over 3 years ago
Facebook, Twitter, Parler; all tools. Their usefulness depends on on the tool but on the user. A hammer can build a house or crack a skull, I see few calls for banning hammers
jhench Premium Member over 3 years ago
Absolutely brilliant!
Davel2468 over 3 years ago
Facebook and Twitter Dominion O’ Trolls Jerks and the common —-hole
ZachOWott over 3 years ago
If you don’t like social media you should stop checking it. If you do like social media, but there are too many toxic people, just don’t read what the toxic people say or cut off from them if you actually know them and it will be much better. You can’t say “social media makes life worse, I wish it didn’t exist”, it’s your choice to use it or not.
willie_mctell over 3 years ago
It’s just amplified traditional human behavior. Blame it on moveable type.
Chris Sherlock over 3 years ago
Bravo, Pig! I’m in complete agreement!
mpolo11 Premium Member over 3 years ago
Wow. Most likes and comments ever.
Natarose over 3 years ago
That was beautiful
Happy, happy, happy!!! Premium Member over 3 years ago
About 1 hour ago Mudd said,
Ha,Ha.
stillfickled Premium Member over 3 years ago
I love you, Pig.
Mentor397 over 3 years ago
Then we have to get rid of Imgur, Instagram, YouTube, News sites, and everywhere else they allow comments. I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few.
chico 1 over 3 years ago
Amen to that!
Ginny Premium Member over 3 years ago
Mr. Pastis – you are a treasure.
Pgalden1 Premium Member over 3 years ago
Sending a cornucopia of cyber-hugs Mr Pastis…just to say thanks <3
alexius23 over 3 years ago
John Lennon is spinning in his grave
Brent Rosenthal Premium Member over 3 years ago
Genius. And now I’m going to post it
flytdeck over 3 years ago
Thank you for saying so succinctly what many of us didn’t even know we were thinking.
I’mStandingRightHere over 3 years ago
I’m sure many of us have already put this on social media
Zeno2099 over 3 years ago
Well said.
Spider-UK over 3 years ago
Way better than the original song
nadie1943 over 3 years ago
AMEN !!!!!!!!!
ubergeek72 over 3 years ago
Amen.
Buoy over 3 years ago
CLAP
nopainogain over 3 years ago
wait, did Stephan leave twitter? because i was noticing an absence of his witty content there.
LaughterIsJoyMuliplied over 3 years ago
Amen Pig, Amen.
cmxx over 3 years ago
You may say I’m a screamer
But I’m trying to unwind,
And hope one day we’ll stop this
And the world will be more kind.
knight1192a over 3 years ago
No Facebook and Twitter? I already don’t use either and that sounds even better.
sheashea over 3 years ago
Kudos to you Stephan Pastis!! I’m FB free and a whole lot happier.
listmom over 3 years ago
Bravo!
randolini Premium Member over 3 years ago
The only way it could be more awesome would be if I was on facebook or twitter, happily I am not
asrialfeeple over 3 years ago
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again : Use it, don’t abuse it.
Ellis97 over 3 years ago
Social media is tearing us apart.
Aficionado over 3 years ago
I never did Twitter, and I gave up FB about 6 months ago.
Leewit over 3 years ago
Thank you.
Ammo hates the comment policy Premium Member over 3 years ago
Great job today Sir at nearly 61, I’ve never been on Twit, facebook is more my speed. I’m certain I will get banned soon enough, I already have two strikes for bulling. I seem to be a little harsh for Zucks robots, GoComics has apparently made me mean ?
A random Pearls Before Swine & Big Nate commenter over 3 years ago
Imagine
WilliamDoerfler over 3 years ago
Amen!
ɴᴀᴛᴇ ᴡʀɪɢʜᴛ (ᴅɪsᴛᴏʀᴛᴇᴅ ᴇᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴ) over 3 years ago
943rd like.
bunrabbit99 over 3 years ago
in the immortal words of lisa simpson, “just don’t look! just don’t look!” no one is making you engage with social media. turn it off.
ɴᴀᴛᴇ ᴡʀɪɢʜᴛ (ᴅɪsᴛᴏʀᴛᴇᴅ ᴇᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴ) over 3 years ago
Can this reach 1,000 likes?
DenO Premium Member over 3 years ago
Imagine, no GoComics comments option.
oakie817 over 3 years ago
amen
Andrew Sleeth over 3 years ago
So who needs to imagine? Some of us just live it.
Sisyphos over 3 years ago
Sorry, Pig. My imagination just isn’t that strong. Besides, the tune is banal….
bucknsuzie over 3 years ago
I never saw so many likes before. Is 1032 a record?
TIMH over 3 years ago
A freeking men.
twagner003 over 3 years ago
Usually it’s Pastis’ puns that bring a tear to my eye.
AndreasMartin over 3 years ago
Pandora’s book cannot be closed again.
c001 over 3 years ago
Yes, we all remember how peaceful the world was before social media…
JohnTheFoole over 3 years ago
Bravo, Mr. Pig!
ag agent over 3 years ago
The best strip
Rokittman over 3 years ago
Sorry the genie’s already out of the bottle…..
Themanofoor54 over 3 years ago
I just realized how many likes this has, pig seems to be effective
jbruins84341 over 3 years ago
But what would the Democrats and the liberal media do if there were no social media to spread misinformation? They might have to (horror of horrors) actually verify their stories!
cdusold Premium Member over 3 years ago
Great strip, Sparky would be proud.
AMBER1 over 3 years ago
One of your BEST work, Steph!
DaveVanDyk over 3 years ago
Brilliant! Love this! Thank you, Stephan.
ɴᴀᴛᴇ ᴡʀɪɢʜᴛ (ᴅɪsᴛᴏʀᴛᴇᴅ ᴇᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴ) over 3 years ago
Add the Instagram and TikTok, too.
Laurie Stoker Premium Member over 3 years ago
Stephan, this is truly a masterpiece! Thank you so much!!! (heart emoji)
theronwill over 3 years ago
One of the very best.
PBS1! over 3 years ago
My parents wonder why I rarely use Facebook.