When I first started my business, I truly believed that if I created valuable, inspiring content, people would respond with encouragement, positivity, and support.
I thought that if I gave people tools to grow their businesses, shared my insights, and showed up with authenticity, they would meet me with the same energy.
But I quickly learned that social media doesn’t always work that way.
I’ve seen firsthand how the online world can twist narratives, how negativity spreads faster than positivity, and how easy it is to get dragged into arguments that don’t serve your business or your mental health.
It’s frustrating, right? You pour your heart into creating real, helpful content, only to find yourself dealing with negativity, trolls, or even competitors trying to stir up drama.
But here’s what I’ve learned: you cannot take it personally, and you cannot afford to let it steal your focus.
Instead, we need to be intentional. We need to lead the way. And most importantly, we need to take control of how we engage with social media.
Rage Bait: Why It Exists & Why It Works
The reason you see so much negativity online is that media outlets, influencers, and even some businesses have figured out that the fastest way to grab attention is to make people angry.
Rage baiting is a strategy where content is deliberately designed to:
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Trigger an emotional reaction (usually anger or frustration)
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Get people commenting, arguing, and sharing
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Keep people engaged longer, increasing ad revenue and visibility
And the worst part? It works.
Because when we’re angry, we’re reactive. We’re more likely to comment, argue, and stay glued to our screens.
And the longer we stay, the more money these platforms and media outlets make.
How It Affects Business Owners
As business owners, we’re not immune to this cycle. In fact, we are often pulled into it in ways we don’t even realize.
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We see industry debates about pricing, competitors, or practices—and we feel compelled to jump in.
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We get negative comments or bad reviews—and suddenly we’re defending ourselves instead of moving forward.
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We come across frustrating news stories—and before we know it, we’re deep in a thread of arguments that don’t actually affect our bottom line.
I know this because I’ve been there.
I’ve let negative comments get under my skin. I’ve reacted to industry drama that didn’t deserve my attention. I’ve engaged in online debates that took my energy away from my actual goals.
But here’s what I’ve learned: It’s a trap.
If we want to build thriving, successful businesses, we need to be smarter than the algorithm.
We need to stay focused on what actually matters.
And that starts with changing how we engage with social media.
How to Take Back Control of Your Social Media Habits
If you’re tired of wasting time on negativity and getting sucked into online drama, here’s what you can do:
1. Be a Creator, Not Just a Consumer
Social media is a powerful business tool—but only if you use it intentionally.
Instead of mindlessly scrolling or reacting to every post that triggers you:
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Use social media to grow your business—post valuable content, engage with potential clients, and build your brand.
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Set a purpose before logging in—Are you there to post? To connect with clients? To learn something? Stick to that purpose.
2. Unfollow, Unfriend, and Mute the Noise
You have control over what you consume—so start making intentional choices.
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Unfollow major media outlets that thrive on sensationalism.
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Mute accounts that trigger negative emotions or distract you from your goals.
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Don’t engage with rage bait—even negative comments boost engagement and keep that content in circulation.
3. Limit Social Media Time
Scrolling endlessly isn’t just bad for business—it’s bad for your mental health.
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Set daily or weekly limits on your social media use.
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Use apps like Freedom, StayFocusd, or One Sec to block excessive scrolling.
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Turn off notifications so you’re not constantly pulled in.
4. Flood Your Feed with Good Things
If you want more positive content, start engaging with it.
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Follow business mentors, educational pages, and uplifting content creators.
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Listen to podcasts that help you grow instead of engaging in negative social media debates.
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Use social media groups for networking, not arguments.
5. Choose Platforms That Align with Your Goals
Not all platforms are equal when it comes to negativity.
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TikTok & Instagram: Good for business but can be full of trending outrage topics.
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Twitter/X & Facebook: The worst for rage bait and political debates—consider limiting or stepping away.
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LinkedIn & Pinterest: More positive, business-focused platforms that keep you away from unnecessary drama.
If a platform consistently makes you feel frustrated, anxious, or angry, it might be time to step back.
6. Train the Algorithm to Work for You
The more you engage with positive content, the more you’ll see of it.
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Spend a week liking, saving, and commenting on uplifting or business-related posts.
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Avoid commenting on rage bait, even to disagree—it still boosts the post’s reach.
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The algorithm will adjust and start showing you less negativity and more of what actually benefits you.
7. Stop Taking Social Media Personally
This is one of the hardest lessons I’ve learned as a business owner.
Not everyone will love what you do. Not everyone will agree with you. And sometimes, people will go out of their way to be negative.
It’s not a reflection of you. It’s a reflection of the way social media is designed.
You have zero control over how people react. But you have 100% control over how you respond.
And the best response? Keep showing up. Keep growing your business. Keep leading the way.
Final Thoughts: Lead by Example
If we want to elevate our industries, we need to set the standard.
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We need to choose our battles wisely.
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We need to keep our focus on business growth.
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We need to lead with purpose instead of reacting to distractions.
Social media is a tool. Use it wisely.
And most importantly—don’t let it use you.
What are your thoughts? Have you experienced rage bait online? How do you handle it?