Rolling with the Trolling: How I've Learned to Deal with Mean LinkedIn Comments

“Your last job only lasted a few months, I’m sure this one will go well LOL”

I still remember my first comment like this.

It was winter of 2016, and I had just been laid off.

I felt so much shame, I had never been in that position before.

They promised we were like a family, and yet, here I was notice of layoff in hand, trying to figure out where the hell I go from here.

With nothing to lose, I started posting stories about my experiences as a job seeker.

I found it healing to embrace what I was going through instead of just announcing a new position on LinkedIn.

When I landed an awesome role, created just for me because the owners had been following my stories on LinkedIn, I couldn't wait to spill it on LinkedIn and share tips to help other people do the same.

Well, that post went viral.

This low res (coffee) mug and (face) mug were plastered all over people's feeds on LinkedIn.

At first, it was a fun ride, getting virtual high fives from few hundred people that knew me.

But as the post spread beyond my immediate circle, reaching friends of friends of friends, the tone started to change.

Suddenly, I was seeing comments like:

“Maybe spend less time posting selfies on LinkedIn, and get a real job."

“And who are you? Why would I care??”

Each comment felt like a gut punch.

Why were perfect strangers wanting to see me fail or dampen my joy? The advice from friends and family at the time was always..."ignore the haters".

But I've often wondered, what motivates people to do this (I get into this in my book) and how should you respond?

In my research, I've learned that ignoring negative comments is actually not that easy, although you can develop a thicker skin through exposure.

Your brain filters information, good and bad, in different ways and in different parts of the brain.

There is an increased focus on the bad stuff called the "negativity bias". So if you are feeling bad about "letting them win", be gentle on yourself, you're wired to try and process things said or done to you that don't feel good.

So, how can you handle the inevitable crappy comments on LinkedIn?

? Set firm boundaries, it's your house. Don't let someone barge in, break some furniture, and still keep them around as a guest. They can be respectful or leave.

? Clean up your comment section. Using the house analogy, imagine you have a party, somebody comes in and breaks stuff, and you leave the shards of glass unswept for your other guests to step on. You have the right to block, report, and delete comments.

? Ok, lastly, use it as fuel. There is nothing more courageous than getting in the arena, risking getting your butt kicked, and facing whatever comes barrelling through the gates.

So instead of ignore the "haters", my advice is to do it anyway. I'm still standing, 8 years later.

?? if you agree!

Love and coffee, Mick