The midterm election is just 10 days away and people have been exposed to TV, radio, and newspaper ads, along with a multitude of emails and robocalls promoting (or discrediting) a candidate.

            While candidates, pollsters, political campaigns, and advertisers mainly go with one or more of the above, more and more people use social media to, ahem, interact with each other on the topic of whom to vote for.

            They have no problem telling you who you should vote for. Not why you should vote for them, just who you should vote for. And, if you don't agree with them and choose to post your opposing opinion, get ready to be shamed, cancelled, or worse - unfriended.

            I've often wondered why keyboard activists can't simply state their opinion and move on. Reading back-and-forth arguments that often turn to vile, condescending, self-absorbed blather is a waste of time and a good way to create awkward situations when you meet face-to-face (if anybody even does that anymore).

            Posters who perform keyboard activism by touting their political and moral preeminence on social media contribute little to society except their constant criticisms. I guess it makes them feel intellectually and morally superior.

            Divisiveness sewn by folks who grew up with social media is created when they sometimes have a tendency to be under the impression that their every word matters more and that older people need to listen and agree with them. They often don't have the life experience or wisdom that would merit such attention and obedience.

            That could partially be because too many adults chose to be a friend of their children instead of their parents. Yes, you can be both. But when you spend their upbringing chasing their approval by showing off your cool bona fides, you may be failing to provide the values and responsibilities your child will need later in life.

            Social media should be social. Does anyone even know what that means? It seems that many believe that whenever they feel slightly unhappy, it is obviously the result of some grave injustice. And they feel justified in demanding punishment for anyone who offends them and they let the world know via a mean message or meme. It ends up being a published attitude that will be with them for a long, long, time.

            Lastly, there's wearing apparel. Hats T-shirts, you name it; all with a candidate's name or a political message emblazoned on it. How often have we seen or read about confrontations, arguments, fights, and even riots caused by words on a piece of clothing. Wow! If you meet up with somebody who doesn't agree with you ... well, just be careful.

            As for me, I'll express my political affiliation with my vote, not my sneakers, hat, T-shirt, or keyboard.