Rules for social
Rules for social
Rules for social
Something I think about often: How does one be present on social media without succumbing to negativity (and stay sane)?
One of my 2023 resolutions that I’ve fought to maintain is to only post positive things online. As a naturally cynical person, this is extremely challenging... I’ve deleted MANY tweets, and will surely fail many more times. The Algorithm™ also seems to be on overdrive, pushing controversial, polarizing, or just plain annoying posts, which doesn’t help. But, I’m trying my best.
Here are three rules that I’ve inadvertently adopted that seem to help:
Ask more questions — even if you’re highly opinionated about something, seeking to learn and understand will always yield a better outcome. It also gives people the opportunity to share what they know, which makes them feel good.
Speak in facts — share the things that I do know are true, formatted for helpful, informative, or inspiring interactions (rather than to prove a point). Pairing a thoughtful question with insightful truth is a great model.
No arguing — someone post something you don’t like on the internet (surely never happens)? Do one of three things: Ignore their post completely, find a peaceful middle-ground through civil discussion, or just insta-block them. Seriously, just block them. Nothing good ever comes from arguing with Internet People™, so do whatever it takes to not waste your precious life doing it.
Something I think about often: How does one be present on social media without succumbing to negativity (and stay sane)?
One of my 2023 resolutions that I’ve fought to maintain is to only post positive things online. As a naturally cynical person, this is extremely challenging... I’ve deleted MANY tweets, and will surely fail many more times. The Algorithm™ also seems to be on overdrive, pushing controversial, polarizing, or just plain annoying posts, which doesn’t help. But, I’m trying my best.
Here are three rules that I’ve inadvertently adopted that seem to help:
Ask more questions — even if you’re highly opinionated about something, seeking to learn and understand will always yield a better outcome. It also gives people the opportunity to share what they know, which makes them feel good.
Speak in facts — share the things that I do know are true, formatted for helpful, informative, or inspiring interactions (rather than to prove a point). Pairing a thoughtful question with insightful truth is a great model.
No arguing — someone post something you don’t like on the internet (surely never happens)? Do one of three things: Ignore their post completely, find a peaceful middle-ground through civil discussion, or just insta-block them. Seriously, just block them. Nothing good ever comes from arguing with Internet People™, so do whatever it takes to not waste your precious life doing it.
Something I think about often: How does one be present on social media without succumbing to negativity (and stay sane)?
One of my 2023 resolutions that I’ve fought to maintain is to only post positive things online. As a naturally cynical person, this is extremely challenging... I’ve deleted MANY tweets, and will surely fail many more times. The Algorithm™ also seems to be on overdrive, pushing controversial, polarizing, or just plain annoying posts, which doesn’t help. But, I’m trying my best.
Here are three rules that I’ve inadvertently adopted that seem to help:
Ask more questions — even if you’re highly opinionated about something, seeking to learn and understand will always yield a better outcome. It also gives people the opportunity to share what they know, which makes them feel good.
Speak in facts — share the things that I do know are true, formatted for helpful, informative, or inspiring interactions (rather than to prove a point). Pairing a thoughtful question with insightful truth is a great model.
No arguing — someone post something you don’t like on the internet (surely never happens)? Do one of three things: Ignore their post completely, find a peaceful middle-ground through civil discussion, or just insta-block them. Seriously, just block them. Nothing good ever comes from arguing with Internet People™, so do whatever it takes to not waste your precious life doing it.