Sharing your voice online, whether through a blog, video, podcast, or even social media, opens you up to a world of possibilities: connecting with like-minded individuals, sparking conversations, and contributing to the online community. However, it also exposes you to the inevitable reality – negativity and criticism.

While the internet allows for diverse perspectives and healthy debate, it can also attract individuals who express themselves hurtfully and disrespectfully. Unfortunately, I believe algorithms across many platforms reward the hostility because they engage users longer. These miserable people can drain your energy and leave you questioning your efforts. So, how do you navigate this negativity?

Responding vs. Ignoring

The first step is acknowledging that not all responses are necessary. Engaging with every negative comment can be emotionally draining and ultimately unproductive. Here’s when you can consider ignoring:

• Personal attacks: Comments targeting you personally, often stemming from the critic’s issues, don’t deserve your attention.
• Trolling: Deliberately provocative comments meant to incite a reaction are best left unseen.
• Unsubstantiated negativity: Comments lacking constructive feedback offer no value and are better ignored.

However, a measured response can be helpful if the negativity feels persistent or crosses ethical lines. Here’s when replying might be appropriate:

• Misinformation: If a comment spreads false information, a brief, factual correction can benefit others reading.
• Constructive criticism: If a comment offers valid feedback, even if phrased harshly, acknowledge it and use it as an opportunity to learn and improve.
• Open dialogue: If someone genuinely disagrees, engaging in a respectful discussion can foster understanding and community growth.

Ignoring with Grace

Ignoring negativity doesn’t mean condoning it. Here are some tips for effectively disengaging:

• Delete and move on: Don’t let negativity fester. Remove it from your platform and focus your energy on positive interactions.
• Don’t feed the trolls: Responding to negativity can fuel it further. Resist the urge to engage in arguments or justifications.
• Focus on your supporters: Surround yourself with positive comments and messages to remind yourself of your impact.

Keys to Remember

Putting yourself out there takes courage, and facing negativity is part of the journey. Remember:

• You can’t control everyone: Negativity exists, and it’s not your responsibility to change everyone’s mind.
• Focus on your purpose: Remember what motivates you to share your voice and let that fuel your passion.
• Celebrate the positive: Don’t let negativity overshadow the positive interactions and support you receive.

By understanding the dynamics of online interactions and practicing effective responses and ignoring techniques, you can focus on building a positive and impactful presence online.

Here’s my favorite quote on critics:

It is the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt

A Message to the Detractors:

Putting yourself out there, whether online or in real life, takes courage and vulnerability. It’s natural to have differing opinions and even strong disagreements. However, there’s a fine line between expressing a perspective and resorting to negativity that detracts from constructive dialogue.

The best Criticism is honest, respectful, and helpful.

Roger Ebert

If you find yourself feeling compelled to criticize:

• Take a moment to reflect: Are you reacting to the content, or are there unresolved emotions you’re projecting? Consider if your comment adds value to the conversation or aims to tear it down.
• Be respectful, even in disagreement: Focus on the content, not the person. Attacking the creator personally rarely leads to productive understanding.
• Offer constructive criticism: If you see room for improvement, frame your feedback helpfully, suggesting alternatives rather than simply denigrating the existing work.
• Remember, there’s a human behind the screen: Every creator is someone who poured their time and effort into their work. Empathy goes a long way in fostering healthy online communities.

It is the duty of the critic to praise at least as often as to blame, and to praise with as much gusto.

Jean Baptiste Moliere

Ultimately, we are all responsible for creating a supportive and constructive online environment. Let’s strive to engage in respectful dialogue, even when faced with differing opinions. Negativity rarely achieves anything positive, while kindness and understanding can go a long way.

©2024 DK New Media, LLC, All rights reserved.

Originally Published on Martech Zone: Putting Yourself Out There: Navigating Criticism and Negativity