Social media can be a minefield. After learning some hard lessons, here's what actually makes the experience better. These aren't theories. They're tactics that work.
How to Actually Enjoy Social Media Without Losing Your Mind
Block Freely
Don't feed the trolls. Don't mute people. Block them. Get comfortable muting or deleting posts and comments if they start to attract a weird type of commenter or too much attention. You don't owe anyone access to your space.
Stay Small
Stay around 5k followers or less. Once you get above 15k or so, it's impossible to make silly, offhand jokes your friends can laugh at without getting unwanted attention for it. Bigger isn't always better when it comes to building genuine digital connections.
Protect Yourself
If you're female, don't post pics of yourself. Especially if your feet are visible. Even in a business setting. It will get unwanted attention.
On a related note, close your DMs. This took me longer because I was afraid of losing business opportunities, but if someone legitimate wants to talk to you badly enough, they'll find your LinkedIn or website.
Stop Explaining
Don't feel the need to explain or defend yourself. I've been called everything here from a man, to a fivehead, to someone who will die alone and childless. People who say these things are not interested in good faith discussions. They often know what they're saying is false. Every response you give them just gives them more clicks.
Ditch the Algorithm
Stop optimizing for the algo. You don't need to post every day. Take a week off whenever you want. It's a great way to stop doom scrolling and reclaim your time.
Stay positive and above board. The algorithm rewards negativity and viral slop. Never lean into that. You build the following you deserve.
Remember Reality
Most importantly: remember it's not real life. Make sure your real life is amazing enough that nothing that happens online can really hurt you. Even if the internet incel mob attacks you for liking flowers.
The Takeaway
Here's what matters:
- Block early and often
- Keep your following manageable
- Close your DMs
- Never defend yourself to bad faith actors
- Ignore the algorithm
- Prioritize your real life
Social media is for your benefit, not the other way around. Focus on the good people. Meet them in real life. Tune out the noise.
Have fun here. That's the whole point.