As your social media channels grow, so does the likelihood of encountering negative comments. It’s an inevitable part of putting yourself out there online. But here’s the thing: negativity doesn’t have to derail your momentum. In fact, it can be a sign that your content is reaching people—which is the whole point! Here’s how I deal with negativity on my channels and why I choose to respond with kindness instead of frustration.
Why Negativity is a Sign of Success
When someone leaves a negative comment, my first thought is: “Great, they saw my content!” That’s exactly what I want—engagement, whether positive or negative.
For example, I once posted a geography quiz video that included a tricky question about whether Australia is considered an island. One viewer rage-posted, insisting I was wrong and even throwing in a few insults, asking me if I was a 5th grader. Instead of firing back, I liked their comment and responded:
“The answer is correct, but it’s a little tricky since Australia isn’t technically considered an island. I won’t make them that tricky again! 😊”
Could I have called them out for being wrong? Sure. But what would that accomplish? The goal of my content is to get people to watch and engage—and that’s exactly what happened.
Kill Them with Kindness
Another time, on my Facebook Fan Page, someone left a long, angry rant about one of my posts. Instead of engaging in an argument, I simply clicked “like” and replied:
“Thanks for visiting!”
Again, this person found my content, engaged with it, and helped boost its visibility. That’s a win in my book. If they didn’t like what I posted, why would I let it bother me. Them wasting their time to rage-post is a them issue—not mine.
Why I Don’t Engage in Negativity
I’ll be honest: I don’t understand why people spend their time rage-posting on social media. It seems like a waste of energy. But here’s what I do know: engaging negatively only amplifies their negativity. And who benefits from that? Nobody.
When you’re creating content, some negativity is inevitable. But it’s important to remember:
- Their negativity is their problem, not yours.
- You’ve already “won” by getting them to engage with your content.
- Responding with kindness takes away their power and keeps you in control.
Tips for Dealing with Negative Comments
- Acknowledge Without Engaging: A simple “Thanks for your feedback” or “I appreciate your perspective” can defuse tension without escalating the situation.
- Focus on the Positive: For every negative comment, there are likely many more positive ones. Focus on the supporters who uplift your work.
- Don’t Take It Personally: Negative comments are rarely about you. They’re often a reflection of the commenter’s own frustrations.
- Use Humor or Kindness: A lighthearted response can disarm negativity and show your audience that you’re unfazed.
Final Thoughts
Negativity on social media is unavoidable, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day—or your content. By responding with kindness and focusing on the bigger picture, you can turn negative interactions into opportunities to showcase your professionalism and positivity.
Remember, the goal of creating content is to reach people, spark conversations, and grow your audience. If someone takes the time to leave a negative comment, they’ve already helped you achieve that goal. So keep creating, keep engaging, and don’t let the haters bring you down.
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