Social media is a great way to build a community and connect with people. However, it can also be a breeding ground for negativity and nasty comments coming your way. Whether you’re a business owner, a public figure, or just someone who enjoys sharing your life online, you’re likely to encounter some of these negative comments at some point.
I’ve had to deal with this once and it was a nightmare. It was so frustrating that it got to the point that I stopped posting for a while because the bullying affected my mental peace. That doesn’t mean that that is what you should do when the first negative comment comes up. Depending on the comment, the way that it affects you, and other factors, there are several ways to deal with negative comments.
The main thing to keep in mind when dealing with negative comments on social media is to stay calm, be professional, and take the high road. Here are a few tips:
- Don’t take it personally.?It’s easy to get defensive when someone says something negative about you or your work. But it’s important to remember that most of the time, negative comments are not about you personally. They’re about the person who made the comment, most of the times it is a reflection of how they feel about themselves.
- Respond promptly, if necessary.?The sooner you respond to a negative comment, the better. This shows that you’re taking the comment seriously and that you’re willing to address the issue. Make sure to really take the time to understand if the comment warrants your attention. Some times, it is better to take the high road and not even address the comment, but you are the only person that will know how worth the person or comment is of your time.
- Be respectful.?Even if you disagree with the comment, it’s important to be respectful in your response. Don’t stoop to the level of the person who made the comment, that will only reflect bad on you.
- Apologize if necessary.?If the comment is valid, apologize. This shows that you’re willing to take responsibility for your actions and that you’re committed to providing a good experience for your followers.
- Report abuse.?If the comment is abusive or threatening, report it to the social media platform. This will help to keep the platform safe for everyone. There is no reason for you to have to deal with abouse just because you’re in a public platform. Report and block if need be.
Dealing with negative comments on social media can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that it comes with the territory, as frustrating as that may be.
Here are some additional tips for dealing with negative comments on social media when they are affecting you more than you want them to:
- Take a break.?If you’re feeling overwhelmed by negative comments, take a break from social media. Come back to it when you’ve had a chance to cool down and collect your thoughts. The people that love your content and support you will be happy when you come back and respect your decision for a break, you don’t have to explain yourself.
- Talk to someone you trust.?Surround yourself with people that love you and are your support system. They are going to be the best resource if you’re struggling to deal with negative comments, they can offer you support and advice.
- Seek professional help.?If you’re being harassed or threatened on social media, you may need to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to deal with the emotional impact of negative comments and develop coping mechanisms. Remember too that harassment is a crime and if you feel like you are at risk, contact your local authorities.
How do you deal with negative comments online?
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