Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out: Managing the anger of social media when social media is your job.

Working in media and social media means non-stop scrutiny of the news agenda. You don’t want to miss that newsjacking opportunity, that journo request, or that latest Google algorithm update post.

The average Briton checks their phone 28 times a day, and let’s face it, social media has become an angry place. So how can someone who works in social media and PR strike the balance where they can get what they need from social without getting sucked into the constant bunfight? I asked my Twitter network for their tips.

Three themes emerge:

Turn On: Limit your time, pick appropriate channels

Tune In: Curate your feed carefully

Drop Out: Take time out – for your own good!

Personally speaking, I have long since deleted the Facebook app from my phone, keeping only Facebook Messenger, and barely update my status or check anyone else’s. So, if you’ve had kids or got married in the last year, apologies, I will have missed that.

Twitter’s harder, because of its always-on nature, so here’s what the UK PR industry recommends:

Turn On…

We need to know what’s going on in the world, but we need to regulate when we log on. Personally, I restrict myself now to BBC Breakfast at the start of the day, one check on BBC and The Guardian for balance at lunch, and then again no later than 8pm. I’ve lost enough sleep over events that are out of my control since, well, 23 June 2016…

Here’s what other people said…

Tune In…

My Twitter community recommend curating topics and sources that are going to add value to your work, and educate and entertain you. I have unfollowed many toxic accounts on Twitter or just angry people. There’s no point engaging with them anyway because no one ever changed anyone’s mind on social media…

I have unfollowed many toxic accounts on Twitter or just angry people. There’s no point engaging with them anyway because no one ever changed anyone’s mind on social media…

Drop Out…

It’s OK to take a break every now and then and take a digital detox.

So, personally, I major on LinkedIn nowadays, with limited dips into Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. I am going to continue to cull the overly political feeds – even those I agree with – and generally spend my time being more productive elsewhere.

What would your tips be? Leave a comment or ping me on Twitter