The Effectiveness of Social Media is Directly Linked to Your Tone of Voice

• January 17, 2019

According to Statista, the statistics portal, it is estimated that 2.34 billion people use some form of online social media worldwide. There is an immense amount of information traveling the web for anyone to access. And access they do. In the Philippines, they are on social media sites an average of 3.7 hours per day, while the U.S. is on these sites approximately 1.7 hours a day. This is just social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

Not only are users reading the material posted, but they are also commenting on it too. Folks of different backgrounds, interests, beliefs, and skills are reaching out with their opinions. This makes online social media a tremendous tool for people to experience and glean knowledge they otherwise would not have discovered.

We value different viewpoints. It’s how we grow. Staying in your own little world will never result in productive, worthwhile ideas. It is being exposed to as many resources possible to receive valid, educational information.

It’s these differences that may cause contention between users. For some reason, people feel they should comment on posts in a critical manner. They attack the author with hateful remarks, believing their own opinion is the right one. This begs the question, why do people who comment on posts think they can throw the rules of courtesy out the window?

People don’t have the nerve to say what they think in public, but hiding behind the computer somewhere else they will say whatever they like. Nevertheless, the same rules for in-person interactions are still to be used on social media; be polite.

Criticism can be used to help inform another, but not when it comes in the form of hateful comments. Assaulting a post is hurtful and nonproductive. If sharing your information involves attacking another person, especially someone you don’t know, the result is you venting just to make yourself feel better. You believe you are making a point, but you aren’t.

Everyone has the right to voice their opinion. It’s how it’s done that determines the effectiveness of your message. If your purpose was to be mean and force your opinion on them, don’t post a comment. It doesn’t help the author or other readers. Moreover, it doesn’t help you since you aren’t open to learning. If your intent is to give your opinion, make it in a positive tone or no one will listen or learn.

For anyone to take criticism, the delivery has to be in a kind, teaching way. Humans don’t like being told they are wrong so they will immediately negate the comment. If you really want to educate, you convey the message in a way it will be gladly received.

We learn and flourish because of the different backgrounds, interests, beliefs, and skills each of us have. Social media is a tool to help us grow and it promotes teamwork. We all benefit as we share politely and don’t condemn each other. Online social media is a powerful tool if used correctly. Let’s take advantage of this medium and use it for its purpose; to connect, learn, and experience things that we might not be exposed to without it.