Chapter 1: The Nature of Criticism on LinkedIn

In recent weeks, I've been exploring various posts by creators on LinkedIn, and I've observed a troubling trend in the comment sections—an influx of hate comments.

Many users elevate their expectations on LinkedIn, seeing it as a professional space where decorum is anticipated. However, it's essential to remember that humans are inherently flawed, and LinkedIn participants are no exception. Just as criticism can arise in workplace environments, it also permeates social media. Yet, when critique comes from a colleague or superior, there’s a certain context:

• They are familiar with you personally.
• Critiques can sometimes be aimed at fostering your growth.
• Your errors could impact the entire team or organization, making the feedback valuable.
• Generally, few will lose their composure over minor grammatical mistakes unless you work in public relations.

While workplace criticism can be challenging, it often serves a constructive purpose. In stark contrast, deriding someone's personal post online feels entirely different.

We all detest hate comments for several reasons:

• Critics typically don't know the person they're targeting.
• Their feedback often lacks relevance to the individual’s skills.
• The impact of the criticized mistakes is usually confined to the individual, yet the critic chooses to publicly deride them.
• Some will even go as far as blaming you for global issues if you make a minor error in your online writing.

It’s clear that those who obsessively correct grammar often harbor resentment towards those who maintain their mental well-being. During my time on this platform, crafted for professionals to share their journeys, I noticed some individuals took offense at others’ successes.

The situation has been disheartening. I’ve seen accusations directed at individuals for merely sharing their personal stories, such as someone criticizing a woman for discussing her mental health journey when she was simply comparing her past struggles to her current happiness.

It left me questioning: Why do people react this way? Is there an underlying insecurity?

The frustration directed at those sharing their life narratives is perplexing. How can someone’s personal story provoke such anger? Or how can a simple misuse of "your" instead of "you’re" lead to such extreme reactions?

LinkedIn is a platform rich with individuals recounting their achievements, milestones, and failures—an aspect I find incredibly valuable.

However, I understand that not everyone will resonate with these narratives, just as self-help content can be polarizing. Yet, many find joy in these stories, so why not let them enjoy their moment?

Social media can be particularly challenging for those grappling with low self-esteem or facing tough times, especially when they see others thriving. Nonetheless, I find strength in reading about individuals who have overcome adversity and built successful brands from humble beginnings. Their stories inspire me and reassure me that I, too, can succeed.

I also dislike witnessing negative comments on posts that uplift me. To those who need to hear this: There’s an unfollow button available. If you’re unhappy with someone's content, mute or block them instead of leaving disparaging remarks. You’re only spreading negativity and won’t deter others from appreciating the content or the creators behind it.

If you prefer different influencers, go ahead and engage with them instead. There’s plenty of space for diverse interests.

While some creators may share their stories from a place of privilege, not all have had easy paths. Many have shown remarkable patience, resilience, and determination, making their stories all the more inspiring to those of us without connections or wealth.

So, feel free to express frustration over someone celebrating their triumphs, but remember: they are demonstrating that success is attainable for everyone.

What may seem trite to you could serve as motivation for others. I share my experiences on LinkedIn because I’ve witnessed others gain opportunities through the platform, which encourages me to contribute as well.

The prevalence of personal stories may feel overwhelming at times, but these narratives have the power to inspire, motivate, and guide us.

Thus, I hold a deep appreciation for the creators on LinkedIn and Medium—most of the time. Are personal stories becoming clichéd? Perhaps. Are individuals exploiting their past struggles for gain? That’s subjective, but ultimately, it’s their story to tell. If they choose to share it on LinkedIn, let them do so.

Remember: One person's trash is another person's treasure.

Chapter 2: The Role of Personal Narratives

The first video titled "How to deal with mean and hateful comments on social media" discusses effective strategies for managing negativity online, providing insights that can be beneficial for anyone facing criticism.

The second video, "Please Stop Leaving Hate Comments!" addresses the impact of negative remarks and encourages constructive dialogue on social media platforms.