Something that irks me to no end is when artists feel compelled to defend themselves against negativity posted on their social media. In almost every case, that negativity stems from a frustrated individual who isn’t achieving their own goals or, more likely, craves recognition from you, and simping isn’t cutting it for them. They carry their internal negativity, and you’ve become the outlet where they’ve chosen to share it—to be seen or to get your attention.
This is why I can’t stress enough: stay out of the comment section! Social media is a trap, designed to draw you in and keep you there, draining time that could be better spent on creating your art. Do yourself a favor—don’t respond.
Social media is best used to showcase the latest creation you’ve completed or are a part of. It is not—and I cannot stress this enough—a place to discuss what you plan to do, hope to do, or haven’t yet finished. Yes, I understand that sharing during a lull can feel like a way to seek inspiration, and the lure of social media outreach is strong, but resist it. Use it to connect directly with people you know and to showcase finished work, whether it’s a completed show, a recorded solo, or anything else—just present your best and then move on.
Getting drawn into the trap of responding to those who bring hate speech or obsessive negativity does nothing to help you succeed. Recently, I saw a friend, Gabriela Rae, share a post defending herself against claims that her rise to success was due to her father or industry connections. Gabriela has been a rising star since she could hold a microphone—I assure you, she’s earned every positive review she’s received, and there are many! Yet, in her post, she felt the need to explain the long journey of her success and mentioned some of the challenges she’s faced. While I love her dearly, I wanted to scream when I saw it. This is not something you want lingering on your timeline, and remember, once it’s in print, it’s there forever. Just don’t do it.
Unfortunately, for the haters who latch onto this moment, they now have ammunition—they can point out that she started her journey at age five and isn’t Stevie Nicks yet—boo hoo. I completely understand her need to express herself, and she did so with grace, but it’s just pouring fuel on the fire. Take that need for expression and put three chords behind it—then, in your later years, if it’s still on your mind, you can share that moment in a documentary. Here’s a point to note: it won’t still be on your mind later, so don’t give it any weight today. Delete the comment, block the person who posted it, and move on. And keep this in mind: next time—don’t look at it, and it will never become an issue you have to address.
Artists, there is no better time spent than time off your device, crafting with your skillset. Make that time now. Stop responding to people you don’t personally know about topics that won’t impact your career moving forward. Put down the phone and walk away. Think of the bands who didn’t have cell phones and wrote the albums you still listen to and emulate today. I’m fairly certain Robert Plant never sat outside his studio, reading hateful texts on his Facebook profile, while writing “Black Dog” or “Stairway to Heaven.” Now, you go do that.
