Facebook allows users to post articles in their feed to share with their friends. Thing is, there’s no reason to think the person actually read the article. Whether it’s about politics or parenting, people like to share information, even if they haven’t read it. They like the title and what it’s trying to convey. Take an article floating around currently about Faith Harralson, a Kentucky kindergarten teacher who won a $12,000 grant to install “pedal desks” in her classroom for students to use “when kindergartners get tired of sitting still.”
The article has caused a great deal of backlash including ScaryMommy’s article: “Our Kids Don’t Need F@*#ing Peddal Desks, They Need Recess.” One mother on Facebook reposted the ScaryMommy article with the message: “I haven’t read it yet but already agree.” Others say the same. The result is a classic case of people feeling the need to talk, before they’ve even listened. Or as one communications expert puts it: these days we listen not to understand, but to respond. Have you shared a post you haven’t read?
