In the realm of social media, I’ve recently noticed a striking phenomenon surrounding my posts about tourism in small towns in Northern California. It’s curious and somewhat disheartening that when I present harsh but truthful facts about the challenges these towns face due to tourism—issues like overcrowding, rising costs, and diminished local charm—the response is swift, vigorous and almost threatening. However, when I follow up with a post that outlines realistic solutions to these pressing issues, the peanut gallery falls silent.

Both posts were shared to the same groups on Facebook and less than 24 hours apart, yet the numbers tell a stark story. The post detailing the problems attracted a flood of comments, likes, and shares within a few hours, while the one advocating for actionable solutions garnered a mere fraction of that interest. This begs the question: why is there such a vast gap in engagement? Several factors could explain this discrepancy, particularly in the realm of journalism and public discourse.

It could be that people are naturally drawn to sensationalism and drama. Negative news often evokes strong emotions, prompting a more immediate reaction. The harsh realities laid out in the article stir feelings of anger, frustration and subconscious denial which then motivates readers to voice their opinions. In contrast, solutions may not generate the same emotional response. They require reflection, critical thinking, and a willingness to engage with complex ideas, which only a few are truly willing to do.

Here is shown the drastic difference in number of views for each article.

It’s also possible that realistic solutions appear daunting or “a job for someone else”, leading people to disengage. When faced with the enormity of a problem, individuals might feel overwhelmed by the proposed solutions, viewing them as too challenging or far-fetched. This perception can lead to apathy, as people may feel their actions won’t make a significant difference and therefore stay silent.

Additionally, there’s a societal tendency to criticize rather than create. Finding whatever fault possible or resorting to childlike name calling is easy but acknowledging actual issues and their valid solutions can become difficult. Solutions can feel like a personal undertaking, requiring more work and a true commitment to change. Although attention can be fleeting, and while a problem may stand out as urgent and worthy of immediate discussion, solutions will require a deeper understanding and contemplation, which many may not be inclined to invest in.

In examining the stark contrast in engagement, I’m left wondering how we can shift the focus from merely reacting to problems to actively engaging with potential solutions. This shift is crucial and the conversation must encompass not only challenges but also the paths toward sustainable and responsible practices.

Encouraging a dialogue that embraces accountability and constructive thought is the key to fostering an online community that is not only aware of the issues but is also dedicated to creating positive outcomes. As we continue to engage with these topics, let’s strive to balance our discussions of problems with the urgency and commitment needed to embrace solutions.

Change starts when we all become active participants in solving the challenges we face, rather than just commentators on the state of affairs.