Social Media Idiots, The Art of Spotting (and Surviving)

November 24, 2024

Let’s face it: social media is the ultimate double-edged sword. It connects us with loved ones, gives us access to global communities, and even helps us discover niche interests. But it’s also a breeding ground for absurdity, where comment wars, unsolicited rants, and viral nonsense reign supreme.

The question isn’t whether you’ll encounter foolishness online—it’s how to handle it when you do. So, grab your favorite scrolling device, and let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the outright ridiculous sides of social media, along with some tips to keep your sanity intact.

What Does It Really Mean to Be an “Idiot” Online?

Before pointing fingers, let’s define the term. Being an “idiot” isn’t just about lacking intelligence—it’s more about poor judgment, a lack of self-awareness, or an unwillingness to learn. We all have our moments, but the difference is whether we grow from them or double down on our mistakes.

Billionaire Mark Cuban nailed it with this memorable quote:
"Don’t force the stupid people to be quiet. I want to know who the morons are.”

Social media, in all its glory, makes sure no moron remains hidden for long. Let’s explore some of the most common ways idiocy manifests online.

Five Signs of Social Media Foolishness

Navigating the digital landscape means dodging a lot of questionable behavior. Here are the top five red flags that scream *“put down the phone!”*:

1. ALL CAPS SCREAMING
If you’ve seen a comment section, you’ve encountered the caps-lock crusader. Typing in all caps is the online equivalent of shouting—often aggressive, rarely necessary, and always eye-roll-inducing.

Example: “THE GOVERNMENT IS LYING TO US!!!”
Okay, Karen. Breathe.

2. Sweeping Generalizations
Broad, one-size-fits-all statements like “All millennials are lazy” or “Every influencer is fake” are a fast track to online absurdity. These comments oversimplify complex issues and derail meaningful conversations.

The real problem? They show a refusal to engage with nuance or facts.

3. The Fake Profile Philosopher
Anonymity can be empowering, but it also emboldens people to post offensive, nonsensical, or downright bizarre opinions. The result? Arguments sparked by users with egg profile pics or obviously fake names who will never back up their statements IRL.

4. Acronym Overload
Ever been bamboozled by a comment riddled with abbreviations like YOLO, FOMO, ACAB, or IMO? Acronyms save the poster a few keystrokes but often confuse everyone else.

Pro Tip: If you’re going to use an acronym, spell it out at least once. Communication is about clarity, not insider jargon.

5. Copy-Paste Warrior
Mindlessly sharing unverified memes, false stats, or inflammatory opinions is one of social media’s greatest sins. Without fact-checking or adding any original thought, these users contribute to echo chambers and online toxicity.

Why Does Foolishness Flourish Online?

Social media thrives on engagement, and outrage is one of its most potent fuels. Algorithms don’t care if a post is insightful or absurd—they prioritize what gets the most likes, comments, and shares.

Add in the anonymity of hiding behind a screen, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for impulsive, unfiltered behavior. People often say online what they’d never dare in person, creating a playground for foolishness.

How to Handle Online Idiocy

Encountering foolishness online is inevitable, but how you respond can make all the difference. Here are four practical ways to stay above the noise:

1. Avoid Arguments
Mark Twain said it best:
"Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience."

This is doubly true on social media, where debates often spiral into insult exchanges. Save your energy for meaningful conversations.

2. Remember the “I-Factor”
Here’s a mantra to live by:
"Whenever you log into social media, you’re guaranteed to encounter an idiot. Don’t stoop to their level."

Keeping this perspective helps you resist the urge to engage with trolls or keyboard warriors.

3. Curate Your Feed
Social media algorithms might be wild, but you have control too. Unfollow, mute, or block accounts that consistently post toxic or unproductive content. Your feed should reflect what you value—not a parade of negativity.

4. Focus on Positivity
Seek out accounts and communities that inspire, educate, or entertain you. By engaging with thoughtful users, you can create a more rewarding online experience.

Final Thoughts

Social media is a mixed bag, showcasing both the brilliance and absurdity of human expression. While the foolishness can be frustrating, it’s also a reminder of how diverse—and imperfect—we all are.

Instead of letting bad behavior ruin your day, choose to laugh, scroll past, or silence it. At the end of the day, the best response to an idiot is often no response at all.

Your time is far more valuable than winning a comment war. Use it wisely.

John Jay Wiley is the host of the nationally syndicated Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and podcast, you can listen to podcast episodes for free on their website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or most major podcast platforms. You can stay updated about his story and many others simply by following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and most all social media platforms.

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