How to avoid sabotaging your voice on social media

Post regret. Be honest, you’ve felt it. You eagerly hit post on a passionate rant, only to realise later that you didn’t quite have all of the facts or didn’t go about it quite in the right way. We’ve all been there.

Some of us need a fresh start in 2021, an opportunity to redeem our digital voice that has become discredited by the impulsive way we’ve interacted online in the past. We need to foster wellness in our online lives.

It can be done. Things can be turned around. The world not only needs winsome digital citizens, but those who have the humility to recognise where they can do better. 2020 is a year that has taught us just how powerful one’s voice on social media is.

So, how do we avoid sabotaging our voice so that people actually listen?

Here are some questions to ask yourself before rushing to be a part of the conversation:

FACT CHECK - Is it true?

Misinformation is so dangerous, and sometimes downright deadly. More than ever the average person is confronted with the task of assimilating large amounts of online information on relevant issues and I’m not sure we are actually well-equipped to do so.

The vast majority of the online audience readily accept things at face value without questioning the truth of what they are reading. This is particularly true when the information is emotional and persuasive, when it ignites something within or resonates with beliefs and views that are already held.

So, to be responsible digital contributors we need to take our responsibility seriously. We need to fact check, we need to make sure we are not misleading or giving legs to faulty theories. When we build ourselves a reputation for buying into misinformation, we are no longer credible and our persuasive efforts are wasted.

MOTIVATION - Am I trying to elevate awareness or elevate myself?

This is important. Though only really you can attest to the true motivations you have behind your post, it doesn’t mean that your audience isn’t questioning them. The more it appears you are virtue signaling in your posts, the less your content is going to be received readily. People can smell it a mile away, so really check yourself before posting.

AGENDA - Am I aware of the media bias or political agenda in what I’m about to share?

If there’s truly an independent, objective, unbiased media outlet out there I have not seen it. I get it though, we all come to our keyboards with our views, beliefs and political leanings. Perhaps this is a job for AI in the years to come. But in the meantime, since we are all steered by these inner workings, we should acknowledge them. We need to seek to understand where our viewpoints come from, how they were shaped and what wider narrative they buy into.

CONTRIBUTION - Am I helping or hindering?

We need to really evaluate the potential impact of our online voice. Are we giving a reasoned response or a knee jerk reaction? Are we trying to provoke thought or just trying to provoke? Ultimately, we need to ask ourselves whether we are doing more harm than good by contributing to the issue.

The world needs our voice. Let’s just make sure our passion is matched by our patience and our tenacity met with truth. When we can come to the digital space with self control and reason we increase the likelihood that our voice will be heard, considered and have a positive impact.

So join me in this fresh start this year, let’s use our voice for good in a world that so desperately needs it.

Hey guys, I’m really passionate about shaping the digital space into a place of common learning, heart felt exploration and a place for digital citizens to make a positive impact on the world. If that resonates with you, please consider leaving a tip to help me continue the cause :)