Success Advice
3 Causes of Conflict on Social Media and How You Should Handle Them
Imagine a world in which the constant digital distraction does not give your emotional intelligence a beating. A place where you can engage with others and not feel guided towards conflict and negativity. Sadly, this is not the world that we live in with regards to social media.
If you avoid the following three common causes of stress on social media, you’ll be able to find your digital respite:
1. Seeing the world in absolutes
We are all looking at the universe through our own keyhole. Our viewpoint will be based on various factors such as where we live, our education, our social group, and perhaps our income level too. It can be easy to get trapped into thinking that our version of reality is everybody’s reality.
We see this on Facebook all the time, especially when a viewpoint is country centric. We believe that our country or culture does things the right way, and that everyone should adhere to the same standards. This can be seen around major issues such as human rights and birth control. Additionally, this can be seen with micro conflicts that can be just as emotive, such as is it ethical to declaw a cat?
Oscar Wilde is quoted as saying “patriotism is the virtue of the vicious” and it seems that social media has taken that flag waving to a whole new level. Statements can be made without taking a moment to realise that people from other countries, cultures, and backgrounds may read it.
The point of the platform should be to communicate, to find out more, and add depth and range to your opinion. Sadly, nationalism seems to be on the rise across the west, and seeing the world in absolutes is one of the causes of this.
In 1775 Samuel Johnson said that “patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.” As you watch arguments unfold online, it seems this statement still rings true.
“Don’t say anything online that you wouldn’t want plastered on a billboard with your face on it.” – Erin Bury
2. Taking the worst possible interpretation
Words are the worst way to communicate, and in the written form we only understand 7% of what people mean. In person, the rest of the meaning is made up from body language and how the words are said. Even then, things can still be taken out of context or misconstrued. Online, misunderstandings can happen all the time.
It seems that some social media users are primed for conflict. A simple factual correction can be deemed an attack, or to be defending someone the original poster dislikes. We see this a lot in political discussions, as well as the many movements that are currently sweeping across the social and political landscape.
Your personal profile is part of your brand, and you should be using it to develop emotional connection, trust, and authority. A simple misstep, or being drawn in to a vicious argument, can ruin your standing and perhaps even your business. Take a moment to breathe and ask yourself, is what I’m thinking about posting worth it? Do these people know you? How well have they expressed their point? Should you ask for clarification before taking it personally and launching a war of words? See the best in people, and then respond.
3. Fuelling negativity by sharing conflict
This is common in entrepreneurial circles, and I suspect it might be an engagement hack. We are led to believe that someone has been attacked, or trolled, for something they said, did, or perhaps even for one of their products.
A hearty discussion has taken place in the DM’s, on a profile, or in a group, and there was a serious difference of opinion. Unable to just move on and put it down, they activate their tribe of like minded people. This is often linked to a click baity heading such as “you will never believe what someone just said to me…”
A virtual mob is formed, with the intention of supporting the posters viewpoint, and getting involved in the drama. If it was online, and the attackers name is known, then screenshots of the conversation may be shared. Some of the horde may break off and go and engage directly by posting their opinion on the original discussion.
Something else people do is adding fuel to the fire. A defensive force is mustered to counter this. We then have two groups of people yelling at each other with digital megaphones and with no intention of communicating effectively, learning, or listening. The sun sets once again on the digital landscape.
On social media, you may be communicating with people who have English as a second, third, or fourth language. They may have wildly different educational backgrounds to you or be going through an incredibly stressful time in life, so be kind to everyone.
“Social media has given us this idea that we should all have a posse of friends when in reality, if we have one or two really good friends, we are lucky.” – Brene Brown
Online written communication is an appalling way to get your point across, and even in person we have roadblocks to traverse in order to avoid miscommunication.
Life is stressful enough as it is without creating conflict. We have 1440 minutes in any given day, so ask yourself, “Do you really want to use them fighting battles that can’t be won or should you simply enjoy life?”
Share your thoughts below on social media, and how you try to avoid the negative people on there!
Success Advice
How to Synchronize Your Conscious Mind With Subconscious Mind for Success
The subconscious mind is like a magnet that immediately and instantly attracts ideas that have emotional content
The human mind has two parts—the conscious and subconscious mind. Both play a crucial role in the functioning of the human mind. The conscious mind is voluntary that you are aware and it goes by logic, analysis, and reasoning. (more…)
Success Advice
8 Inspiring Ways Steve Jobs Changed the World
Apple’s success can be ascribed to two things: visionary leadership and innovative leadership
With Steve Jobs’s resignation as the CEO of Apple, the world went into a tizzy. Scrip fell and recovered gradually. He is one of the most iconic CEOs in the world and is a leadership icon who always sets high standards for innovation. He changed the way people use technology through constant innovation. (more…)
Success Advice
Why Tesla, Apple and Amazon Prioritize Performance Over Everything Else
What influences winning, making money, or achieving goals? It’s your performance.
Everyone wants to win at the things they’re pursuing. In fact, I don’t know a single person who likes to lose. But what influences winning, making money, or achieving goals? It’s your performance. It’s what you do, not what you want, that determines whether you succeed or fail. (more…)
Success Advice
15 Essential Habits to a Stronger, Healthier, and Happier You
The journey towards transformation is not about perfection but about progress
What habits can truly transform your life? That’s what you’re here to uncover. In our no-nonsense guide, we’ll introduce you to 15 habits to change your life, each with the power to improve your day-to-day existence. (more…)
-
Success Advice3 weeks ago
Wealth Lessons Everyone Should Hear for Every Stage of Your Life
-
Success Advice3 weeks ago
15 Essential Habits to a Stronger, Healthier, and Happier You
-
Entrepreneurs4 weeks ago
Build a Strong IT Team with These Smart Hiring Tips
-
Change Your Mindset4 weeks ago
Navigating The Depths Of Self-Love And Relationships With Stefanos Sifandos
-
Entrepreneurs4 weeks ago
How Entrepreneurs Are Harnessing LLCs to Launch Successful Startups
-
Entrepreneurs3 weeks ago
Most Entrepreneurs Fail to Do This and It’s Killing Their Success
-
Entrepreneurs3 weeks ago
9 Ways Augmented Reality Gives Your Business a Competitive Edge
-
Success Advice3 weeks ago
19 Common Characteristics All Visionary Leaders Have