One absolutely invaluable thing that a person can learn in life is how to deal with negative people in a healthy way. The unfortunate truth is that at every stage of your creative journey there will always be people looking to bring you down. How you handle this negativity and choose to respond to these kind of people can say a lot about you too. Is there a right answer or does each situation demand a different kind of response?
I really wish that it weren't the case, but as we all learn, there is a type of person out there whose sole purpose it seems is to bring other people down. Genuine negativity at all times, no matter what. These people will tell you that you need to give up, that you'll never make it, that your goals are absurd, and that you are going to fail. These are the types of people that can do a lot of emotional harm if you let them stay in your life for any longer than a fraction of second. You know who I'm talking about, the type whose criticism will never be constructive. The type who talks trash for the sake of talking trash.
Fortunately, there is simple solution we can use to address these types of people. By all means guys and girls, be a little bit more liberal with the block functions on social media. I know that when I let these negative types do their thing, it really brings me down quickly so I block the people who spend their time trying to tell me I won't make it. If I hear that a person makes clients or models uncomfortable (I'm talking to you GWCs), I block them. If someone is talking trash for no reason about other people, I block them. If someone is going out of their way to spread negative energy, I block them.
We are all on a journey, pursuing a craft, and chasing a dream. We're all at different stages on that journey, some just starting out and others nearing the end. None of us have the time or energy to deal with the haters. The easiest thing we can do is to literally block it from our online presence. It's important to note though that there is a huge difference in criticism and negativity. By all means, block the haters, but don't automatically block criticism. Understanding the difference can be hard, but well-intentioned criticism can help us grow and it often vital to new success.
How about you, do you utilize block functions on social media to shut down negativity? Do you think that is an appropriate way to deal with it? I don't see the point in trying to engage in conversation the ultra-negative type, those whose intention is to do harm. I would much rather block them and continue on trying to build my dream. Maybe you've had a different experience with these types though and have a different method. Let me know the best way you've found to deal with the dream killers out there.
Hi Bob, thanks for the comment! I think that you make some good points, though it kind of reads like maybe you're wanting to (intentionally or not) politicize the issue. Censorship is an entirely different issue, one that most certainly deserves it's own article. The point is that blocking negativity, not that which you find to be unhelpful, is a tool at your disposal.
I don't really agree with you that "trolls" are rare, in fact I would say they are quite the opposite. Obviously the real problem here is how to distinguish between "trolling" vs general criticism, which I agree are very different. I agree that blocking everything that we don't like is a bad idea.
I also think that a person is entitled to use that which is at their disposal to "feel less bad" if that makes any sense. What I mean by that is blocking the "trolls" from your online presence is about actively creating a more positive experience for yourself.
Often, with social media algorithms deciding what we see, it defaults back to the user to implement a degree of control where they see fit. I tried to stress that the difference between criticism (which can be very helpful) to that of a more general and less well-intentioned negativity (a "troll").
I agree. Why block someone when you can just change seats? I mean, you don't have to sit in the front. I tried sitting on the right side once, some guy got so upset. Rather than block him, i just got up and sat on the left. It was more comfortable for me anyway.
Haha, great way to put it Dave ^_^
I am grateful that I haven't had to block anyone on any social media type arena, but I am far too unpopular to have had many interactions like that. I know others who have used it with great effect.