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Be Cool: 5 Ways Not to Be a Dick Online

Be Cool: 5 Ways Not to Be a Dick Online

If you spend a great deal of time online gaming or, to a greater extent, streaming, then you might be the sort to give some thought as to how you are perceived by others. That’s a pretty normal thing to do, in my eyes. What, then, might be a good way to ensure that you come off as cool as possible to the people you want to relate to?

Well, there are probably a lot of schools of thought on this. Certainly, there’s a notion that being edgy or aloof is cool. I am more of the belief that kindness and a general chill atmosphere are two things that can get you better mileage in building your network and coming across as likable. I could be wrong but hey, hear me out. Here are five things to consider in your pursuit to be cool online.

Be Yourself

Be Yourself

Okay, I know I’m sounding like a grade school teacher or a children’s program here, but being yourself is one of the best ways to be likable. For starters, you’ve already had a lot of practice at it. Also, people can sense when someone isn’t being genuine. Trust that you have redeeming qualities, and bring them to the forefront.

You don’t always have to be funny, if that’s not your thing. You don’t have to be particularly good at games either. Maybe you’re the type of person that likes to reflect deeply on what a game means or you’re full of fun trivia. Whatever your strengths and passions are, bring that to your audience. Don’t try to be something you’re not.

It’s difficult, because it requires a hard look at yourself, but once you can relax and embrace your own interests and unique traits, you’ll be better off.

Be Generous With Your Assumptions

Be Generous With Your Assumptions

First impressions are a powerful force, and the internet is fairly limiting in its capacity to give an accurate impression of someone. At first glance, people might rub you the wrong way. You may feel like they’re somehow bad or that they’re trying to get you, but sometimes a little bad masks the good. Sure, trolls exist, but I don’t think this is norm. Even when someone is rude, you can benefit from assuming they aren’t acting like their true self. When someone comes across the wrong way, maybe make an inquiry. Try to dispel their behavior by being the better person. You would be surprised how easily it is to turn a hater into a follower by surprising them with a bit of kindness and understanding.

Mute Genuine Trolls

Mute Genuine Trolls

That said, trolls do exist, and there are bitter people out there who just want to rile others up. This isn’t to say that they aren’t redeemable, but if you get the sense that there’s nothing you can do to cool them off, it is best to just not engage. They aren’t your responsibility.

The best way to do this is to simply ignore. Do not engage. Mute their mic or block them on Twitter. They might derive some sense of satisfaction in thinking that they’ve somehow “won” by receiving a block, but don’t play their game. Enjoy your time and move on.

[Image Source: Shutterstock]

Remember: The Internet Wants You Mad

Remember: The Internet Wants You Mad

Part of being cool is, well, keeping your cool. This can be hard to do online in a culture that many deem toxic. Part of the reason this is difficult is because the tendency to engage with toxic or upsetting material is very human. It is also why the internet is toxic in the first place.

A lot of content creators are aware of a hierarchy of valence that promotes clicks and shares. Unfortunately, the hierarchy dictates that the things that upset people are the most likely to be seen. I’m not suggesting you remain ignorant, but if something is clearly bait, the best way to counter their attempt is with ambivalence.

Pity them for relying on cheap tricks and promote happier, genuinely interesting content. You’re in charge of the atmosphere you create. Don’t let the internet get you shouting into the abyss. You can be a source of joy, where people can find respite from all that anger and sadness.

Help Others

Help Others

To reiterate, I know I’m sounding like a child and promoting things we were all taught when we were younger, but I do believe in it. I don’t believe in karma in a cosmic sense, but I believe attitudes and behaviors have momentum and cause a ripple effect. We should all endeavor to help out others where we are empowered to do so.

This can come in many forms. You can help out someone in a game. If you’re streaming, your followers might appreciate it. If you’re not, then at least one other person will appreciate it and you might even make a friend. If you see someone with a small following, but good content, you can boost their signal. If you see someone who just needs help financially, you can champion their cause.

It doesn’t even matter how large your own following is, either. Every little bit helps, and you can take pride in being your best self. Be confident and kind, and you’ll be charismatic. And if confidence doesn’t come easily, just be confident in being kind. It’s something people will be hard-pressed to criticize.

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