Chapter 1: The Initial Excitement of Threads

When Threads debuted last year, it sparked a wave of enthusiasm. Users were thrilled to connect, leading to engaging discussions and vibrant exchanges.

However, this bliss was short-lived. The platform soon became a battleground rife with chaos. Daily, misinformation spread by individuals lacking adequate knowledge or experience in publishing flooded the space. Their tactics often involved incendiary posts and distorted quotes. Even when confronted with inaccuracies, they would stubbornly argue, twisting your words to rally their followers against you.

These behaviors aren't novel. Social media has always been a diverse arena, which is part of its allure. Hence, I find it misguided to blame social media for many of society's issues.

Social platforms lack independent thought; they are operated by humans. People dictate the content shared and how they wish to be perceived.

Without setting personal boundaries, those accustomed to dominating interactions will overstep their limits.

Certainly, some individuals cannot accept "no" for an answer. No matter how often you assert your discomfort with their actions, they persist. In such cases, it's often best to distance yourself, without feeling obligated to explain your decision.

Anyone familiar with Facebook and Twitter has encountered users convinced their perspectives hold superiority. While it's challenging to curb their influence, advocating for awareness and education is crucial. I aim to guide aspiring authors to achieve success on social media without resorting to contentious tactics or spamming. Virality isn’t a necessity for success.

Indeed, you can thrive online, but it requires discerning the so-called experts and gurus. Their promises often lack substance; they prioritize attention over genuine support. Their advice tends to be opinionated and generalized rather than grounded in professional experience. They also tend to react defensively when faced with opposition.

To illustrate my point, let me share a case study. It's somewhat lengthy, so prepare yourself! 😜

Chapter 2: The DM Dilemma

Last weekend, I received a direct message on Instagram that exemplifies the issues at play.

The trend of unsolicited messages from strangers is a tactic long promoted by unscrupulous marketers, which has evolved from cold calling to infiltrating platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Instagram has become a hotspot for such spamming in recent years.

As illustrated in the screenshot, the sender and I had no prior connection; I had merely begun following them.

While I welcome DMs from acquaintances, I find it frustrating when someone intrudes on my space to pitch their services without even asking if it's okay.

To them, I am merely a statistic, not a person with whom they want to foster a relationship.

After receiving more spam messages, I vented my frustration on social media, sharing my initial post along with the ensuing problematic comments.

In the midst of this, I contemplated blocking the sender. However, I realized they might twist the narrative to portray themselves as a victim, so I chose to keep the line of communication open.

My instincts were correct.

Some users who initially supported that individual soon recognized the reality of the situation. Their reactions were enlightening, prompting the original poster to delete their post swiftly, yet they failed to acknowledge my reply.

The next day, I shared a follow-up post on Threads, which garnered unanimous agreement from commenters. A friend even conducted a poll, which yielded 64 votes, all in alignment with my perspective. Quite revealing, don’t you think?

The takeaway? Context is paramount. Ignoring it can lead to pointless debates over semantics and alienation from others, potentially affecting countless viewers.

Just because someone doesn’t engage with your content doesn’t mean you lack visibility. Your online behavior can significantly influence your career trajectory.

Engaging with good intentions online fosters an environment where admitting mistakes becomes easier, and others are more forgiving because they recognize your genuine intent.

A sincere apology can be far more beneficial than attempting to create a false persona.

If self-promotion feels daunting, resist the allure of overhyped claims. Seek out information, ask questions, and trust your instincts. Had I not done so, my journey as an author could have ended prematurely.

Now, pursue what brings you joy! 🙂

This essay is part of a collaborative series on writing and self-empowerment initiated by Mackenzie Davis and me a few months ago. For further details, click here. Essay 1 (Mackenzie Davis) Essay 2 (Cendrine Marrouat) Essay 3 (Mackenzie Davis) Essay 4 (Cendrine Marrouat) Essay 5 & Essay 5.5 (Mackenzie Davis)

Thank you for joining me today!

Cendrine Marrouat is a multifaceted writer, photographer, podcaster, blogger, and anthology editor. She co-founded Auroras & Blossoms and A Warm Cup of Cozy, and has authored over 40 books, including "The Train: A Short Story" (2023) and "In Her Own Words: A Collection of Short Stories & Flashku" (2022). Her work has appeared in numerous publications, and she is the creator of several poetic forms.

In this TEDx talk, Kerry Harling emphasizes the importance of context in our interactions, illustrating how it shapes our understanding of communication.

The Studio C sketch highlights the significance of context in daily life, showcasing how misunderstandings can arise without it.