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More Control Over The Use Of Social Media
September 24, 2019
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Twitter has rolled out a new test feature here in the U.S., along with Japan and Canada, allowing us to hide tweet replies we find irrelevant, abusive or incoherent.
By clicking on the right hand menu of a comment to our tweet, you'll see options. Tap "Hide Reply" and the comment will be hidden from the thread.
However - this doesn't mean the replies are out of sight.
By tapping on the "hidden comment icon" in the tweet displays the replies we deemed inappropriate or just weird and hid.
This could fire up unseemly people who find their replies hidden - leading us to block them anyway.
But at least Twitter is working on ways to better our experience.
Facebook also has a "hide comment" button which gives us some control over the conversation.
And while these features are not perfect - they are important steps taken by the social platforms.
Here's why:
In the past couple of years, the toll of trolls - exposure to disparaging words (directly or indirectly) towards us - and depression has been well documented.
So beyond hiding comments that don't contribute to a healthy conversation - there are other steps to consider when protecting our mental health:
- Reduce Opportunities For Social Comparison
This means limit time spent scrolling, posting, tweeting and repeating. Make time spent on social more meaningful.
Work on creating a more memorable presence for your brand, and for your personal self.
- Protect Exposure
Tweak your News Feeds to only reflect people and brands who make you feel better.
- Turn Off Superficial Notifications
None of us need to know someone "liked" our post or tweet in real time. Turn off all sound and badge notices that do not bring constructive meaning to our days.
- Decide Where You Can Create Impact
As 'fun' as it can be posting, snapping, tweeting and making Stories all day - identify the platform(s) you have the best experience with and place a stronger importance on them.
Effective use of social greatly benefits our brands (and overall health and relationships); so long as there's balance of use.
Consider adding the above to your company's social media policy, as well as your own personal policy; work healthier, not harder.
Social is an excellent outlet; incredible moments and connections have been created because of it.
But with anything in life, nothing good comes from extreme use.
Reach out to me anytime on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.
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