Different strategies to deal with online negativity 

It's important to highlight that online negativity is a complex issue with many possible responses, and each situation is unique. However, there are some general guidelines you could follow to help you determine the best reaction—or whether to react at all.

Additionally, consider who you are, or want to be online. If you are an active communicator, people will expect you to respond to their questions and comments. Think about how your online identity could be used against you. For example, sharing too much personal information openly might be used by those who oppose you.

Preventive measures

Preventive measures were also highlighted, like using separate accounts for personal and professional content or thinking carefully before posting, especially about topics that could provoke strong emotions (such as religion, politics, or the environment). Alternatively, you could decide whether or not you will allow comments on your post or video. 

Also, consider the platform you use—some are more conducive to heated discussions than others (I.e., X), while others allow for more one-sided communication (i.e., Instagram stories).

Consider your audience

When facing negative reactions, it helps to understand who you are targeting before deciding whether to respond. It might be useful to show support to individuals being attacked or provide fact-checks to educate silent readers who do not actively participate but follow along. However, when facing negative reactions directly, it helps to understand who is behind them; they could be concerned citizens with reasonable questions, frustrated individuals, people who misunderstand your research, organized activists, or trolls. Understand that for example addressing trolls might not change their behavior. Engaging with them often isn't worth the effort. 

Effective strategies to respond

Firstly, determine how much time you are willing to invest. Quick responses with fact-checks are time-efficient, while engaging in dialogue may be time-consuming but can lead to more sustained effects.

Start a dialogue and ask questions to understand perspectives better. Find out why they share this message or try to understand why they are angry. This can be done publicly or privately, depending on the situation.

When information is incorrect, refute false information in a factual, non-pedantic manner.
If things get too heated, consider removing the content, disabling comments, or blocking and reporting the account to manage your mental health and stop further harassment. Always document and report illegal activities to authorities if necessary.

Practical tips

• Determine and set your boundaries: Clearly communicate the limits of acceptable interaction. 
• Avoid amplifying negativity. Do not retweet or react to negative messages, as it can boost their visibility.
• Use positive reinforcement: Acknowledge and thank positive interactions to balance the narrative.
• Take breaks if needed: If overwhelmed, go offline temporarily and ask friends to monitor the situation. Always prioritize your own mental and emotional well-being. Seek support from colleagues or friends if needed.

Resources

To help you make consistent decisions about when and how to engage, MediaWijs created (Dutch) practical flowcharts and guidelines that are freely accessible on their website. Below, you can find flowcharts -on how to react on social media or to hate speech- translated into English.

On the website of the Council of Europe you can find more guides and an online tool to help you analyse a case of hate speech using various criteria and recommendations that will help you identify the most appropriate response.