I love and follow The Art of Christian Living’s blog. I read her post today, Blogging: The Purpose in the Process #https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/95055817/posts/2710234963 and was saddened by the content of her third and fourth paragraphs. This prompted me to respond and in turn blog about the act of unfollowing on social media.
The Art of Christian Living, as I commented, please continue with your style. I love it and love your authenticity.
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The essence of any community is to support one another. In supporting one another, it is okay to agree to disagree respectfully. In any community, and especially the blogging community, we recognize that there will be differences in style, niche, tonality, etc. And to that degree, it takes maturity and wisdom to stick to one another even though our differences are apparent.
Is it right for anyone to un-follow another? Who am I to force anyone to follow me; not even my family members will I insist to do so, let alone an internet friend. Don’t misunderstand me – internet friends are essential and we all need some for social media purposes as the lack thereof sends a contrary message. But, most of us don’t know them personally.
. . .
I googled [https://bit.ly/2AGyrrD] “why do people unfollow on social media” and got “About 118,000,000 results (0.50 seconds).” This is serious and shows that it is an act that is frequently committed by all. The truth is that I had, once ever, un-followed some folks in the past and I do not regret doing it. The sad thing was that it was while being involved in a “Christian” organization. I later realized that though the organization was Christian-based, not everyone involved was Christian; as such, there were things said and done that I felt were contrary to my Christian doctrines. Rather than the leaders asking what was going on, they resorted to “preach” about it. I felt this was hypocritical and I left the organization. I also deleted my FB profile because it was our meeting ground. I also recognized that most followed me not because they “liked/loved” me, but to “monitor” me. Sadly, this is not uncommon with, and unbecoming of, Christians or Christian organization. It’s the little foxes that spoil the vine.
Why un-follow?
Following personalities and brands on social media signifies various things to various people. It is often because the other party likes/loves the person, brand or content published. It could also be because the person is a family member, alums or frats or sororities, or simply a fan. Most do not even know the person they are following. The advent of technology/social media has made everyone a friend so near. Whatever the reason one chooses to follow another, there is equally a reason to un-follow. It’s all good when we follow. But let’s talk about unfollowing.
The first Google result states that “41.50% of Social Media Users Unfollow a Brand That Posts Too Much.” This contradicts the blogging principle that states the more you blog, the more people know you and that blogging a lot helps drive traffic to your site! Another reason was that people unfollow when one doesn’t blog enough. Hello somebody?! What then is considered enough or reasonable blogging?
Some unfollow as a form of rejection. I disagree with this thought. How can someone I don’t even know reject me? I won’t take it personally. Even if I do know the person, it is a free world that makes people change whenever they feel like it. Unfollowing me does not a hair removed from my head. And I hope that the folks whom I unfollowed feel likewise. I might see the person the next day and still be cordial. I said all that to say don’t take it personally if someone unfollows you. It has become part of the social media un-etiquette.
Other reasons, according to Sprout Social, include as listed in the chart below:
I do not see that The Art of Christian Living has violated any of the reasons above. Be that as it may, people are entitled to follow or un-follow. Notwithstanding, those who like your content will continue to follow you.
Stay graceful.
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