Knee deep into the digital age, our identities as individuals are interlaced into our presence on social media outlets. Undeniably so, the way we market ourselves on the internet affects the way people perceive us offline- I’m not judging, I’m simply investigating.

Face it, your Facebook status about your political ideology informs your weird uncle and the friend of a friend you met last weekend at Studio 7, how and what you are feeling. May I ask the question if this truly worthwhile repartee? While personal posts are simply white noise amongst the vast majority of influences stemming from popular media outlets, they contribute towards the overall tone of these sites.

Yes, an iconic individual has the ability to impact and influence more people than some of the most popular publications. And yes, these popular publications also shape news by how they are reported stylistically. However, this does not nullify the reality that your voice is your vote and your platform is your influence.

“Social media is changing the way we communicate and the way we are perceived, both positively and negatively. Every time you post a photo, or update your status, you are contributing to your own digital footprint and personal brand.” -Amy Jo Martin

After the 2016 election, more and more people began taking what is known as a social media break. Some deleted the apps of their phones, others blocked users on their accounts, and some deleted their profiles altogether. There was an overpowering consensus of individuals who felt overwhelmed hearing news about a candidate they did not choose, and the hate which followed on social media sites.

Personally, I chose not to delete my social media accounts altogether. However, I consciously screened what and how much I read scrolling through my timeline. Despite, the pervasive presence of opinions on social media, there is something to be heard from rants on Facebook which oppose my own ideology. To my fellow Facebook users who will be reading this article because it is posted to my personal social media accounts, I may not agree with you, but I respect you.

Today, most social media posts on political ideology are hastily theorized. Individuals point out the errors and accuse opposing users of bigotry, stupidity and other demeaning qualities by sentence of judgment. Posts in this fashion accomplish merely nothing, but hate. Quoted by NPR, one should engage in a way that promotes dialogue rather than shutting it down with judgments and generalizations when it comes to social media.

Yes, it is appropriate to post your own opinions. Consequently, recognize that when you post on a public site, you are opening the door to an inevitable discussion.This includes conversation with those who's personal viewpoints differ from your own. Censoring your account by making threats quoting, “users who act foolishly will be deleted” accomplishes nothing except for limiting your own awareness of opinions. How can you know you believe what you believe, if your beliefs have never been tested?

I encourage you to be mindful that when you post, you’re creating a digital print of your personal beliefs, morals, and principles. Likewise, educate yourself and promote constructive dialog with effective rhetoric. Lastly, be willing to change your own views as you learn and grow; Impasse is a position of inferiority.