Tariro Manamike
We have all been there. You are scrolling through your feed, minding your business, when bam — a post pops up that makes your blood boil.
Maybe it is a hot take on a sensitive topic, a friend’s poorly researched rant, or, worse, that one colleague who shares their every meal as if we are all eagerly awaiting their next avocado toast update.
Your fingers hover over the keyboard, your mind racing: Should I say it? Should it be said by me? Who will benefit from me saying it?
Social media makes us feel like participants in a never-ending town hall meeting where everyone has a mic, but here is the catch: in this town hall, everything you say is recorded, replayed, and remembered. Forever.
Social media’s algorithmic persuasion: Why you are triggered
Let us talk about the sneaky power of the algorithm. Social media platforms are designed to keep you engaged, feeding you content that aligns with your interests, or triggers your emotions.
A heated political debate? Front and centre. A controversial post from that one distant cousin? Right on top. These platforms thrive on your attention and nothing grabs attention quite like outrage.
Before you know it, you are typing furiously in the comments section, channelling your inner debate team captain. But here is the reality: your well-crafted comment could be a landmine for your career.
When a comment
is not just a comment
In the digital age, your online activity is your permanent portfolio. A thoughtless comment can affect your reputation, damage relationships and even cost you job opportunities.
Here is why:
- Your employer is watching: Potential (and current) employers often check social media profiles to gauge your character. If your comment history is a battlefield of arguments or negativity, it raises red flags about how you handle conflict and professionalism.
- You are representing more than yourself: Whether you like it or not, your online persona is an extension of your personal brand. What you say online can reflect on your workplace, family or community.
- Screenshots live forever: Even if you delete a comment, it is never really gone. Screenshots have a way of resurrecting things at the worst possible times, like during a job interview or an important business deal.
Pause before you post: The social media litmus test
So, how do you navigate this digital minefield without silencing your voice entirely? It is simple: think before you type. Here is a quick litmus test to guide your online interactions:
- Should I say it? Is this comment necessary, or am I just venting? Remember, social media is not your private diary. If the post is not constructive or kind, it is probably best left unsaid.
- Should it be said by me? Are you the right person to address this? Some battles are not yours to fight, and inserting yourself might do more harm than good.
- Who will benefit from me saying it? Will your comment add value, educate, or positively contribute to the conversation? If it is only going to stoke the flames, save your energy.
Relatable example: The career-altering comment
Take Jane, for instance. Jane was a talented marketing executive climbing the corporate ladder. One day, she posted a snarky comment under a viral political post.
The comment blew up, sparking a heated debate. A few weeks later, Jane was up for a promotion, but her manager, a firm believer in keeping work and politics separate, came across her viral comment.
The promotion went to someone else.
Now, was it fair? Maybe not. But was it avoidable? Absolutely.
Social media: The tricky balancing act
We never got the memo on how to navigate social media, no handbook, no crash course, just a digital playground where everyone showed up and started posting.
One minute, it is all selfies and hashtags; the next, it is debates, over-sharing and many awkward moments.
Social media is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it is a powerful tool for connection and expression. On the other hand, it is a stage where every word is scrutinised.
With no clear rules, missteps are inevitable. We have all seen it: the accidental rant, the regrettable photo, or the comment that aged like milk.
Social media is a crash course in public relations we did not sign up for, but hey, we are learning as we go, right?
Before you comment, remember: you are not just speaking into the void. You are leaving a digital footprint that can follow you for years.
Tariro Manamike is a seasoned media and public relations professional with over a decade of experience in broadcast journalism and strategic communication. She is passionate about human-centered design, business communication, and their impact on the bottom line. Tariro writes in her personal capacity and can be reached at [email protected]
