Well, the first Presidential debate has taken place and we are still seeing, hearing, and reading reports of it on the news. Some individuals may still be forming an opinion, others want nothing to do with it, and some want the world to know exactly what they are thinking. In the latter instance, many will turn to Facebook to do just that. So in this post, I will give you a few simple tips on how to handle those snarky political posts on Facebook.
FOR THE READER
1. There’s not much you can say to get a person to keep their opinion to themselves. I can list 100 reasons to avoid posting opinions on Facebook and another top ten on how it may affect other people. I can assure you, this will most likely not curtail the folks who are “over the top” and shouting from their virtual mountain top.
2. Ignore the crazy and keep scrolling. This is kind of like a virtual “get up and move to the other side” moment. You don’t want to miss out on the funny pics and hilarious updates because of someone’s unpleasant post. Just do a “SMH” and scroll on to something more enjoyable like to video of a cute rabbit chomping down on a flower.
3. Press the mute button. Ever been in a room with the television blaring while you are trying to hold a conversation? At times you’ll press the mute button because you are more interested in the conversation rather than whatever’s on TV. Well just do the same on Facebook, honey. Unless a person has posted something so despicable that you feel you can no longer be friends with them, you can simply use the mute button that Facebook offers: it’s called “unfollow.” This allows you to remain friends without seeing all of their annoying updates. After election season is over, you can resume following them again.
FOR THE POSTER
1. I share this point in my book Let Crazy Be Crazy and I’ll share it again here. If you won’t show it or say it in person, then don’t show it or say it online. You are determined to state your case? Well then go ahead, do it! Just imagine what you would say face-to-face to a group of people and write that. Don’t allow your screen to give you a false sense of bravery. You’ll most likely come off as rude and insensitive to others.
2. If you do find you have unintentionally offended someone, don’t beat yourself up over it. Just apologize and move on. A heartfelt apology can shut down a long winded rift before it even begins.
I shared a bit of my advice in a recent segment on NBC 7 San Diego. Take a look at it below:
