Wellness Wednesday: avoid social media stress during crises
During local emergencies like water outages, social media platforms can just as easily become sources of stress, misunderstanding, and conflict.
In an age where digital communication is instant and always-on, social media platforms and messaging apps like WhatsApp have become vital tools for communities to share information quickly.
Here are some practical ways to reduce social media stress during community crises:
Pause before you post
In tense moments, it’s easy to type out your frustrations and hit “send” without thinking. However pausing to reflect on whether your message is helpful, constructive, or necessary can go a long way in reducing group tension. First job, check your emotions about the story – if they are strong, stand back from it.
Focus on facts, not blame
Before you are ready to share, think through the words you have used, knowing others will have a different point of view. The language you use matters. Try and share verified information, such as updates from the municipality or water department, rather than rumours or assumptions. Avoid personal attacks or assigning blame unless it’s part of a solution-oriented discussion.
Use separate groups for venting and updates
If your community group is intended for crucial updates, consider setting aside a separate group for general conversation or emotional support. Keeping the core group focused on solutions and critical information reduces unnecessary conflict.
Recognise the emotional toll
During a crisis, it’s common to feel overburdened or frustrated but be aware of when the group chat is causing more stress than it is bringing about. It’s acceptable to turn off notifications, leave the chat, or have a face-to-face conversation instead.
If you disagree with someone who is sharing an opinion different to yours anywhere on social media, if you’re not mentioned or tagged, just move past it. You do not have to engage. You don’t- save yourself the misery
Lead with empathy
Everyone handles crises differently. Some people experience anxiety, while others may feel angry or helpless. Kindness and understanding in how we communicate, particularly online, can reduce friction and strengthen community resilience.
Set group Guidelines
Having clear group rules like a respectful tone, no all-caps shouting, and staying on topic, can reduce misunderstandings.
At the end of the day, we are in this together. Squabbling among one another will do no one any good.
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