Negative comments on social media can be disheartening and frustrating, especially if they are directed at you or your business. It can be tough to keep your cool when someone is being critical of you online, but it’s important to remember that not everyone is going to like what you do. There are ways to deal with negative comments that will help you maintain your sanity and protect your reputation. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for overcoming negative comments on social media!
First of all, why do negative comments matter so much?
At its core, it’s absurd – why should we be so upset over a negative comment from a complete stranger? We don’t know them, nor should we care what they think about us since they can’t have an informed opinion (since they don’t actually know you).
Yet a negative comment on social media can be hurtful to the extreme because often, we equate it to society’s view of us at large. Negative comments can also amplify other issues. For example, if you’re not overly outgoing, there’s likely to be some insecurity related to this area, and that one negative comment may be enough to blow up this insecurity into something larger than life.
And that, my friends, is how your day gets ruined.
Okay, but what can you do about it?
There is no “one-size-fits-all” cure to negative comments, but here are some of our suggestions for handling negative feedback on social media.
- The first thing you should do when you encounter a negative comment is to take a step back and assess the situation. Is this an isolated incident, or is it part of a pattern? If it’s part of a pattern, then you need to address the issue head-on. However, if it’s an isolated incident, then try not to make a big deal out of it.
- Try to understand why the person is being negative. Oftentimes, people are just trying to get a reaction from you. They may be bored or looking for attention, and that’s not something you should give them. If you can’t figure out why the person is being negative, try reaching out to them privately.
- Once you’ve assessed the situation and tried to understand why the person is being negative, it’s time to respond. If the comment is rude or hostile, delete it. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life! If the comment is constructive, try responding politely and thank them for their feedback.
- Take some time to reflect on the comment. What could you do differently in the future? How can you improve your business or product based on the feedback you’ve received?
- Try not to take it personally. It can be difficult, but remember that most of the time, the person leaving the negative comment is anonymous and doesn’t even know you.
- Take some time to review your social media policies and consider changing them if necessary.
- Keep in mind that not everyone will like or agree with everything you post.
- Try to focus on the positive comments instead. The majority of your followers are probably supportive and will appreciate your content regardless of a few negative comments.
- Remember that you are not alone. Many other bloggers and social media users have dealt with negative comments and they handled it well.
- Report users who are repeatedly leaving negative comments.
- If the comments are really getting to you, take a break from social media. Step away for a little while and come back when you’re feeling more level-headed.
- Consider disabling comments altogether.
- Use negative comments as an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Consult with a professional if the comments are causing you significant distress.
No one is immune to the occasional negative comment, but there are some things you can do to keep your sanity intact when they start rolling in. Try taking a deep breath and not taking it personally, for starters. You can also try focusing on the positive comments instead or take a break from social media if the comments are causing you significant distress, consult with a professional.
Social media can be a great platform for building relationships and connecting with others but it’s also important to remember that not everyone will like or agree with everything you post. Use negative comments as a way to learn and grow, but don’t let them get to you. Take a break if they’re getting to be too much. Stay positive and remember that the internet is full of trolls.
Finally, remember that not everyone is going to like you or your business. And that’s okay! You can’t please everyone, so don’t try to. Just focus on the people who do appreciate what you do, and let the haters go.
Related: Self-hate: How to Stop Self-hatred
