The Hidden Cost of Calling Out Negativity on Social Media

In today’s world, social media platforms like Facebook have become central to how we engage with ideas, share opinions, and respond to what we see online. But as we scroll through our feeds, it’s important to pause and consider how our interactions shape the digital landscape—not just for ourselves, but for others as well.

Many of us feel compelled to call out negativity when we encounter it online. We comment on controversial posts or even create new ones to address something we find harmful or disagreeable. While these actions may feel justifiable, they often have unintended consequences: they amplify the very negativity we’re trying to condemn.

Here’s how it works. When you comment on or engage with a post, even critically, you’re signaling to Facebook’s algorithm that this content is worth promoting. The platform doesn’t distinguish between approval and disapproval—it only sees engagement as a sign that the content is relevant. As a result, the algorithm may show you, and others in your network, even more content like it. Ironically, the act of "calling it out" can perpetuate the spread of negativity rather than quashing it.

I’ve noticed this firsthand. There have been times when I’ve come across negative content not because of the original post, but because someone else decided to publicly challenge it. Their intention might have been to take a stand, but instead, they introduced me—and countless others—to something I might have otherwise never encountered. In their attempt to counter negativity, they inadvertently gave it a louder microphone.

So, what can we do instead? It may feel counterintuitive, but sometimes the most powerful action is inaction. If you see a post you disagree with, resist the urge to engage. Instead, scroll past it. Let the algorithm interpret your silence as disinterest, signaling that this type of content isn’t worth amplifying. By doing so, you’re helping to minimize its reach and influence.

This isn’t about ignoring important issues or avoiding difficult conversations. There’s a time and place for meaningful dialogue, but that time and place may not always be under a post designed to provoke or spread harm. Before you react, consider whether your response will help or hurt in the larger scheme of things.

Remember: every click, comment, and share carries weight in the algorithm-driven world of social media. Choose wisely. Sometimes the most impactful thing you can do is keep scrolling.