Keeping Your Politics Off Social Media

With the upcoming election, I've discovered that my friends post more political messages and memes on social media than ever. I think about the quote, "Your vibe attracts your tribe," so perhaps they're searching for people who resonate with their thinking. But then there's the other side, "Your opinions might scare the minions." "Your thought might not be haut." ("Haut" meaning "having high standards or quality.")

And then, I think of all the times I've read the political stuff my friends post on social media and how many times it's changed my mind. ZERO. Yep, big f**king goose egg. Guess what changed? My opinion of the person who posted the political meme. More often than not, my opinion of that person went from favorable to unfavorable because they disagreed with me.

While social media is an excellent tool for freedom of speech and expression of yourself, keeping your politics off of social media can be beneficial for several reasons:

Professional Image

Maintains Professionalism: Political posts can sometimes be polarizing. Keeping such views private helps maintain a neutral and professional online persona.

Workplace Harmony: By not sharing your political views, you reduce the risk of creating unnecessary tensions or disagreements with colleagues with differing opinions.

Personal Privacy

Protects Privacy: Discussions can escalate and lead to personal attacks or doxing. Staying neutral helps protect your privacy.

Avoids Labeling: Once you share political beliefs, you could be labeled by those beliefs, which may overshadow other aspects of your persona.

Networking Opportunities

Widens Networking Circles: By not limiting yourself to a political ideology publicly, you can connect with a broader range of professionals and maintain diverse networks.

Enhances Career Opportunities: Prospective employers or clients often review social media profiles. Non-political profiles appeal more to a diverse set of opportunities.

Mental Health

Reduces Stress: Engaging in political debates on social media can be stressful; staying clear of them can reduce anxiety and stress.

Improves Mental Peace: Avoiding the negativity that often accompanies political discourse on social media can contribute to better mental well-being.

Influence and Social Responsibility

Maintains Influence: Being non-partisan in your public profile can help you retain influence among people from all political leanings.

Encourages Responsible Sharing: It promotes a culture of responsible content sharing, where facts are checked and civility is maintained.

While it is essential to be informed and engaged in political discourse, carefully considering the platform and manner in which you express your political views can have lasting impacts on your personal and professional life.