Your Tone of Voice Affects Social Media

Social Media sites i.e. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, are the backbone of communication. They are used for sharing information from knowledge to gossip.  Accordingly, your tone of voice determines the effects of social media. 

The Stats

According to Statista, the statistics portal, there are roughly 3.5 billion people using some form of online social media worldwide. Anyone can access an immense amount of information on the web. And access they do. Americans are on social media sites an average of 2 hours a day which equates to 5 years and 4 months in their lifetime. 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. Folks of different backgrounds, interests, beliefs, and skills are reaching out with their opinions. Consequently, social media is a tremendous tool for people to experience and gain the knowledge they otherwise would not have discovered.

Viewpoints on Social Media

We value different viewpoints. It’s how we grow. Staying in your little world will never result in productive, worthwhile ideas. Exposing yourself to as many resources possible divulges valid and educational information.

Unfortunately, it’s these differences that cause arguments between users. For some reason, people feel they can comment on posts negatively. They attack the author with hateful remarks. They want to force their opinion. This begs the question, why do people who comment on posts think they can throw the rules of courtesy out the window?

Your Voice On Social Media

People don’t have the nerve to say what they think in public, but they are brave hiding at home. Nevertheless, the same rules for in-person interactions are still to be used on social media; be polite.

Criticism can be used to inform others, but not 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, you are venting to make yourself feel better. You believe you are making a point, but you aren’t.  

Your Tone of Voice

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 there is something helpful you can add to the point 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. Obviously, if you want to educate, convey the message in a way it will be gladly received.

We learn and flourish because of our different backgrounds, interests, beliefs, and skills. 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. Your tone of voice effects social media so remember to be courteous.