The internet is a big place, and social media has given people an easy way to express their opinions to the world. 

So how do we make sure that a difference of opinions doesn’t take a turn for the worse?

Anchorman saying,

Method 1: Ignoring The User

A great way to avoid conflict is to not say anything at all. You are not obligated to type up a response and hit "post". A father telling his son,

Here are some things you might want to ignore:

  • Provocative comments: comments that just want you to respond

  • Sarcastic comments: comments that could be seen as potentially "not serious"

  • Ignorant comments: comments that are clearly made without knowing about the topic 

Quiz

Which of the following comments might be provocative on a post about getting a cat?

Method 2: Blocking The User

If someone is saying something that is hateful or disrespectful, it may be a good idea to block them. Someone blocking another person on social media

Most social media platforms have a feature that allows you to stop seeing posts from a specific person, and this is great for situations where people cannot have a healthy discussion.

Quiz

Which of these comments might cause you to block the commenter?

Method 3: De-escalate

Some conflicts are the result of a misunderstanding or a difference of opinion. 

In this case, you can ask for clarification or, without using harsh language, calmly explain why you said what you did. 

Generally, one aggressive response invites another. A woman saying.

Quiz

Which of the following comments might de-escalate an argument about watermelon?

Take Action

Star Wars characters fighting, with the text

Managing conflict online is not as hard as it seems once you take the right precautions. 

Take the time to recognize conflict situations and determine the best method to solve them. 

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