How to Handle Negative Feedback on Social Media Like a Pro

I’m sure this has happened to you. A friend disagrees with something you posted on social media or a colleague posts something on your page that is insulting. Before jumping off your seat, remember everybody has a different perspective –and not everyone has to agree with you. Therefore, it is important not to react with anger and fire back an aggressive, knee-jerk response. Instead, consider doing these 5 things.

Take charge of your career and life! Download my exclusive Negotiation Unleashed Workbook!

1. Don’t reply right away

If someone posts something you don’t agree with, do not respond immediately. Instead, take some time to think of an appropriate response; write it down elsewhere. Set it aside for a while and come back to it at a later time to review it. The idea here is not to fire back in a way that will show you are angry or simply cannot handle the pressure.

2. Don’t take it to heart

Don’t take everything in the post to heart. More often than not, the posts that anger and insult us are written out of emotion and lack factual data. Therefore, trying to make sense of it all on social media is just not worth it.

3. Don’t be rude

It is tempting to be rude in your response in order to show the person in question that they made a mistake (or simply that you don’t agree with what they say.) However, a rude response will only fan the flames of discord and will not lead to anything good. Remember: a social media conflict is not only between you and the other person; it’s out there for the whole world to watch.

Find out how I can help you get ahead in your career!

4. Don’t offend anybody

Never post something that will offend somebody on their page. If someone tags you or post an offensive message on your page, erase it immediately. Keep in mind that some social media platforms, including Facebook, let you review a post where you’ve been tagged before showing up on your wall. This is a good way to avoid conflict even before it arises.

5. Take it offline

If the topic is close to your heart, then try to take the conversation offline with the individual –if possible. If the confrontation is with a colleague or an acquaintance, consider first if it’s something worth addressing. Sometimes you must just let it go and focus on what your relationship is all about.

See also: You’ve lost your motivation! Now what?

The way you handle a different opinion or a conflict on social media speaks volumes about you, your professionalism and your credibility. Social media is not the platform to prove you are right and the other person is wrong. It is simply a public tool used for entertainment and information sharing. Conflicts and disagreements are best managed offline in a private matter.

Now it’s your turn! What are the biggest challenges you have faced when engaging in social media posts? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Connect with me on Twitter: @elizabethsuarez.

Like this article?

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest

More From Elizabeth:

An Executive Coach: Your Proven Partner for Success

As a leadership and negotiation strategist, I’m surprised to come across so many professionals hesitant to hire an executive coach. Cost is often cited as the primary reason for going it alone; however, when it comes to embracing the need to invest in one’s career, an executive coach shouldn’t be viewed as a luxury, but rather as a fundamental resource for advancing growth.

Read More »

Reinventing Your Career: 5 Steps to Your Best Role Yet

Being flexible is always a valuable trait in any work setting, but reinvention is more critical now than ever before. Reinvention can help you balance survival and career if you navigate it well. Don’t let the turbulence of the world today throw you off your career track!

Read More »

Harness Your Self-Interests

What’s your passion? What do you like to do the most?

It can be hard to know for sure when you’re so enmeshed in your career, and when you’re addressing family demands.

Also, it can be easy to experience frustration and lose motivation in your work if you’re only doing hobbies that benefit your family or career instead of yourself.

Read More »

Leave a comment