Before You Comment: The Energy You Bring Online: Tuesday Morning with Lynn

By Lynn Pritchard July 14, 2026

Social media gives people a voice, but it also gives people a choice.

Every time we comment, share, question, or respond, we are adding something to the space. Sometimes we add support. Sometimes we add curiosity. Sometimes we add helpful feedback. And sometimes, without thinking, people add negativity that does not help anyone.

I was thinking about this after talking with a friend who owns a restaurant. She stopped posting as much because online comments took the joy out of sharing her business. That stayed with me, because it shows how powerful words can be, even when they are typed quickly behind a screen.

As a business owner, I actually enjoy comments. I love when people ask questions. I love when customers share ideas. I love when a post opens a conversation or helps someone learn something new. Many times, the comments are where the best ideas come from.

But there is a difference between communication and reaction.

A question can create understanding.

A respectful comment can open a conversation.

Helpful feedback can make something better.

But a rude comment usually does none of those things. It does not educate. It does not support. It does not solve a problem. Most of the time, it only changes the energy of the space.

That is something I think people should pause and think about.

Before commenting, ask yourself: What am I adding here?

Am I asking because I truly want to understand?

Am I sharing something that may help?

Am I giving feedback in a way that can actually be received?

Or am I reacting from irritation, judgment, or the need to be heard?

There is nothing wrong with asking questions. There is nothing wrong with seeing something differently. There is nothing wrong with giving honest feedback. But the way we say things matters.

You can question without attacking.

You can disagree without being disrespectful.

You can offer another point of view without trying to embarrass someone.

You can also scroll past something that is simply not for you.

That does not mean every page has to accept every comment. A business page, a community page, or even a personal page has a right to stay respectful. Deleting rude comments or blocking people who only want to stir negativity is not avoiding feedback. It is keeping the space healthy for the people who are there for the right reasons.

Online behavior is still behavior.

The screen does not remove responsibility. The keyboard does not make words harmless. What we put out still carries energy, and it still says something about who we are.

So maybe the question is not only, “Can I comment?”

Maybe the better question is, “What kind of energy am I leaving behind?”

Love you all Lynn Pritchard