I SEE a lot of things I don’t agree with on social media. It’s insanely challenging to keep our personal beliefs when we see subjects that we take issue with.
I have heaps of friends and clients on Facebook who take on different sides on politically-driven discussions.
From time to time I have posted something politically charged, only to go back a little bit later and delete it after I’ve thought about the possible repercussions. And now I am now fully committed to avoid it under any circumstances. Here’s why:
1. You could lose a friend.
Friends should be able to moot political issues calmly and diplomatically... (in person) But wars behind keyboards and screens can get you (as petty as it may sound) unfriended for good.
2. It may affect your professional life.
It’s not business, it’s personal...right? Well, supposedly. But every comment you make can get you on the wrong foot with a client or colleague who strongly feels otherwise. I know we’re grown-ups thus, respect is a must. But you can never overlook the unconscious effects on their psyche. And whether you like it or not, your likability does matter at work.
3. There’s already enough politics on mainstream media.
One of the reasons I use Facebook is to laugh, have fun and converse with my friends and family. More so, to get some real information that’s backed with facts and data. I don’t use it to get worked up or stressed out over someone else’s rants.
4. There’s no right or wrong. You’re always wrong.
It’s a either you’re a government’s dog or an enemy of the state. A die-hard a show-off. And if you take the neutral side, you’re blind, numb and you lack perspective.
Now, I know there are a lot of people who are going to disagree with me. And that’s fine. You have every right to. This is democracy. But, hopefully we can agree to disagree and keep it off Facebook. Toxicity is the last thing we need right now as we try to heal as one.
Stay active until our next chat!