I’ll start this off by saying that I’m an eternal optimist and can usually find a bright side to anything. I don’t do well with negativity because I think it’s a waste of time. Unfortunately, since I spend a large part of my time online, I see a lot of comments and websites in general that really bum me out. Sometimes it seems like the creative blogging world is full of all things bright and pretty, but cyberbulling is a real thing that we should probably address more often.
The internet is full of millions of people with different opinions and preferences, so you’ll likely experience negativity (firsthand or otherwise) at some time or another. And you don’t have to blog about heavy topics like politics and religion to face aversion. I’ve seen comments that describe bloggers as “too happy” or “too sad” or “too boring”. Anything you post online can be publicly criticized, whether it’s your tone of voice, the way you raise your family, how often you post, how little you post… it’s pretty ridiculous.
When I first realized out how mean people could be to bloggers (not celebrities, not politics…bloggers), I felt so discouraged and didn’t want anything to do with blogging while. I wish I could say I didn’t care and that I was writing for myself, but I did care because blogging is supposed to be about community. So what do we do when the community gets muddled with negativity? Here are a few key things that have helped Angela and I deal with negativity online. I hope your experience as a blogger/blog reader is all sunshine and rainbows but just in case it isn’t, read on!
How to deal with negativity in the blogging
1. Don’t participate. Getting worked up about negativity online will only add fuel to the flames. I love this TED Talk by Monica Lewinsky about fighting negativity. She explains that even when we visit negative gossip sites out of curiosity, we’re supporting these communities and keeping them running smoothly. Super eye-opening!
2. Unfollow blogs that make you feel discouraged or jealous. Sometimes you have to deal with your own negative thoughts. Angela and I have both unfollowed blogs in the past because we just didn’t vibe well with the content and/or it made us begin to compare ourselves to those successful bloggers. Realize what’s bringing you down (and why), then make a change.
3. Surround yourself with positive people, online and offline. Blog negativity isn’t just online. Blogging is a weird hobby, so people in real life might come off as discouraging. Make sure you’re spending time with friends and family who are encouraging and support your dreams.
4. Remind yourself why you’re blogging and who you’re blogging for. Maybe you’re blogging to raise awareness or maybe just to spread joy with colorful inspiration. Perhaps you blog about blogging (like us!). Whatever your content is, it’s probably something you’re passionate about. It’s always a good idea to try to get back to that place of inspiration and excitement about blogging. Remember why you started in the first place. :)
5. Choose kindness! One of my all time favorite blog posts is this one by Elsie of ABM about cyberbulling and choosing kindness. She emphasizes that that the best way to fight negativity is to spread kindness and stand up for people. So very true.
How do you deal with negativity online? It’s not a very fun thing to talk about, but I’m always encouraged by people who make the online world (and actually, the whole world) a more uplifting place.
Kiersten says
Great ideas! I had to unfollow a blogger once. I won’t say who she is but she is very popular. I love most of her content but one time, she had made comments in a post that insulted my political views. I didn’t say anything to her about it but after that, I didn’t see her blog the same. I had to unfollow her because I would be angry whenever I saw a post. Even if it had to do with cooking or something unrelated to what originally made me upset. Instead of causing drama, I just let it go and unfollowed. That’s the best thing to do. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all. :)
Kiersten @ Autumn Country Girl
Jennifer says
Definitely! There is always going to be someone whose content rubs you the wrong way, and unfollowing is usually the best approach. It can be awkward, but if it makes you happier it’s totally worth it. Thanks for sharing!
Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's says
I’m so lucky that I haven’t yet experienced negativity in the blogosphere! I’m blessed to be surrounded by so many people who lift each other up -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Jennifer says
I’m so glad you haven’t experienced negativity online! I’ve had a pretty positive experience too and I’m super thankful for all the kind, uplifting bloggers out there. :)
Raquel says
I love this post. The advice is spot on. I also feel very discouraged when I experience lack of support, especially from female bloggers – I can sense the competitive mentality many carry and it’s just not healthy, so I just unfollow. It’s very hard to put yourself out there and let people in and at times it’s very disappointing when you support others and it’s not reciprocated. But again, the key is to move away from it and not let these things faze us.
Great post!!
Jennifer says
Great advice, Raquel! There are so many competitive vibes out there and it is really discouraging. We’ve gotta keep focusing on creating positive community. :)
Melissa says
This post is so refreshing. I have been blogging four years and while I love it and have always come back to my “why,” I’ve experienced so much negativity either firsthand or know about other bloggers and readers who are talking trash all the time. It seems like blogging cuts us out to always be in competition with each other, which is just really sad. I know we all want to be the best, but I wish there was more support and realization that your blog does NOT represent your whole life or even a big portion of it because everything online is censored and currated.