Think-Talk

Following/Unfollowing on Social Media

http://think-talk.org/2020/05/18/following-un-following-on-social-media/
— Read on think-talk.org/2020/05/18/following-un-following-on-social-media/

I first posted the above almost eight (8) months ago. The topic is very relevant today. I edited a bit of the initial post. Thanks for reading.

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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. To that degree, maturity, wisdom, and mutual respect are needed and essential to stick with one another despite our apparent differences that goes beyond gendering.

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 my 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. What with covid making physical socializing impossible, right?

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 tagged as a Christian-based, not everyone involved were Christians; as such, there were things said and done that I felt were contrary to my Christian doctrines. Rather than the leaders taking a biblical stand to address the issues, they resorted instead to “preach” about it and against those of us who were exposing the mixed messages. I felt this was hypocritical and I left the organization. I also deleted my FB profile because it was used as our meeting platform. In addition, I realized that most of the members followed me not because they “liked/loved” me, but to “monitor” me, and others. Sadly, this is not uncommon with, and unbecoming of, Christians or Christian organizations. It’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. Anyways …

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, an alum or frat or sorority, 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? If it happens, I won’t take it personally. I either merely ignore the person or statement or post an extra-nice comment to the person. And if I do know the person, it is a free world that allows people to change whenever they feel like it. Unfollowing me does not a hair remove 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:

Source: SproutSocial.com

Un-Netiquette

I have read about bloggers following another in order to garner a follow-back only to unfollow once the said blogger follows them. It probably had happened to me unawares. Why go about follower-ship in this manner? It is nothing short of deception. People know your immature tactics and eventually, it will catch up with those who are doing so, and they will be exposed and eventually suffer follower-ship. The act violates simple courtesies but since there still isn’t a valid social media law, who am I to state that a law had been violated?! If there’s no law, none can be violated! Be that as it may, people are entitled to follow or un-follow. Notwithstanding, the un-following, those who like your content will continue to follow you.

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Final Note

Please let’s continue to support one another the best possible way that we can. There’s a lot of “bad” already in the nation/world. Let us be the light that shines in darkness.

Stay graceful.