Internet commentary etiquette can enhance your social experience

Internet commentary etiquette can enhance your social experience.

The internet can sometimes seem like a pretty scary place. Whatever you post, people will watch and comment on it. And many people feel safer saying things that they normally wouldn’t say when they are sitting in front of a screen rather than a real person. Especially if they use social networks that provide anonymity.

However, there are ways to comment on the Internet that can help you relieve stress. Even if someone is deliberately trying to provoke something, you do not need to allow yourself to be drawn into it. The world already has enough stress, and the Internet doesn’t have to be the source of it.

Think Before You Post

Before posting any messages on the Internet, you can think in advance about what kind of response they might elicit. If you are posting something related to controversial topics, such as politics or religion, it is very likely that you will receive angry responses. So decide if it’s worth what you want to post.

If you are responding to something that someone has commented, consider what you are adding to the conversation and if necessary. Being selective about what you say will help you avoid direct negative reactions from others.

If You Can, Ignore It

In most situations where you see a message or comment that really annoys you, it’s best not to get involved. You will relieve yourself of stress by refraining from answering.

More often than not, it’s not worth it. Unsubscribing or blocking that person will also help you avoid what you don’t want to see. And you will be less upset about what was posted.

Also keep in mind that it is extremely difficult to truly change someone’s mind over the Internet. Due to the nature of the platform, negative reviews usually only reinforce someone’s beliefs and are unlikely to budge, no matter what information you provide.

When people form an opinion, they use cognitive biases to do so, which is not always based on logic. No one is immune to this, so when a post or comment that you disagree with triggers a reaction from you, you can instead try to figure out why they made you feel that way and move on.

When You Should Respond

However, there are times when answering something might be a good idea. If you can provide deeper insights or information that someone is likely to be receptive to, then your response may be constructive for conversation.

Plus, if someone you know posted something that you disagree with, they are more likely to listen to you. Someone you know has some kind of emotional attachment to you, so they are more likely to consider your answer. A complete stranger is unlikely to care what you have to say.

How to Respond Tactfully

So, if you do decide to post a comment, there are a few things to keep in mind. Above all, do not let yourself stoop to insults. Using them will not work, and people are unlikely to take you seriously.

Even if someone insults you at first rather than reciprocating, that should be a sign that you need to move away from the situation.

Try to be mindful of the wording you use when typing your answer. There is no tone of voice on the internet, so it’s easy to get it wrong If you suspect something might be confusing, try phrasing it differently. Using emojis can also be helpful in these situations to show others that you are serious.

Also, try not to appear condescending, or people will not be so receptive to you. Openness may be your best course of action as long as the person you are responding to does not hate or promote something dangerous.

How to Spot a Troll

If you find yourself in an argument online, it is likely that you are dealing with someone who just wants to argue for the sake of the argument. Or they just don’t care what you say and just want to mess with you instead.

There are several ways to catch one of these people, usually called a troll, and once you do your best to get out of the fight. Trolls don’t want real discussion, they just want a reaction to feel superior or for fun.

If they keep repeating the same rhetoric or phrase, as if they don’t even read what you are saying, they are most likely a troll. This is also true if they make hyperbolic, wild statements and suggestions, or try to use the shock factor.

Using Comment Etiquette

To avoid stress while using the Internet, trying to engage only in constructive and positive conversation can help you immensely not only in your online life, but in life in general.

The Internet is a beautiful creation that allows you to connect with people without whom you could never have done it. So while there are definitely benefits to using the Internet, there may be some pitfalls. Following these tips will help you get your bearings.

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