Reacting Before Reading - The Rise of the Unaware

We got to understand that we are not living in a perfect community, still filled with humans not as professional, intelligent and logical as the AIs. The social media seems to be a safe refuge and a perfect opportunity to yell at strangers these days. It has become more prevalent, and worst to those who are writing about controversial and political topics. I admire these authors' fearless essays and articles that I couldn’t even imagine the regular yellers they get. But even a bright side topic such as travel can get some yellers, but just a tiny fraction of them. The rewards and the downvote system just seem to make people calmer and nicer.

But allow me the freedom to tackle the issue of the yellers or those who go straight to the comment section without even reading. I would not blame this disturbing laziness to read or the short attention span of some people as that would be totally unfair. Perhaps, it is just people’s attraction to outrage. That we humans sometimes naturally react first when we get hurt before even trying to understand what we are really crying about. Now, how did I know some people didn’t really read? Believe me, I got some very few trollers in the past that I could compile into a post, and it is quite obvious that they had probably just read the title and nothing more. My travel category can be trollable sometimes as it incorporates sensitive social and political issues that I had observed in different parts of the world. And are sometimes not for the snowflakes.

If our brave souls here just use the social media to yell at strangers, then it does not really matter to them whether they really know why they are yelling. This is a test of your reading skill. If you are the first person to comment the two films these photos are from, then you will win 5 sbd from me.

The authors should understand the type of comments below to fully accept the reality and see through people.

• Constructive criticism - this is good because you need a real friend and not someone who will just sugar coat what you write all the time. This type of comment actually makes me think what I have written and it also challenges my beliefs. We should be open to constructive criticism to be able to improve ourselves as authors and see the side of things through other people’s point of view.

• Against everything you say - this is when whatever you say nothing will ever be good enough. There are just people who regularly take pleasure in being negative and contradicting everything you say. There’s nothing much we can do about them and the good thing is that their existence is just a tiny fraction of this community.

• Big trollers - they come from time to time and will just troll your post big time. I had one in the past actually and even admitted that he/she trolled my post on his/her post. They also like to throw verbal insults especially if they cannot keep up with critical thinking. Now, this is why I like anonymity because you are not giving people more chance to find something against you, especially knowing how they really are. It can save you a lot of time and disappointment.

• Generic comments - they are the ones who usually say, great post! Beautiful photos! But I’m not really bothered by these that much. I also write comments like these as sometimes, simple and short would be enough. Especially when the authors I’m following already know that I read their posts and that they should not be bothered if I just write short comment sometimes. I still try my best to post very engaging comments but it would still depend on the type of article I just read.

The 2 and 3 might still give you an upvote which is a good thing. But there are some out there who will just go through all the trouble of commenting to express their dislike. Just no verbal assaults or trolling are necessary though, as it would be better to pause, reflect and reread everything first. This is to prevent having to apologize later if the author proved you to be just another yeller. And also, avoid the clickbait and overly catchy titles, recognize that a significant portion of your intended readers never really makes it past the title and photos.

I usually just give them a clap, a short comment like ‘good for you!’, quote of what I've just written, or just plain not reacting at all. Sometimes, inaction is the best action as some people are just looking for attention, and the best way is to not give them more power over you. Imagine how the world would be if we have just ignored the trolls on the streets looking for worldwide attention.

Remember that without these people, our lives here would probably be dull. Their reactions are still much better than having no engagement at all. This is a free world after all.

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Before following me, please check my previous posts. I usually write about my travels or whatever my distorted mind has to offer. If you follow me and you're not really interested with that, then you'll only be disappointed! Unfollow @diabolika 😈