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MISHAWAKA – Are you suffering from a campaign social media hangover?
Facebook, Twitter and blogs of all kinds are blowing up with reaction to the election.
Many are venting or celebrating their political views for all the world to see. Some even lost Facebook friends because of this.
"Treat others the way you would want to be treated even with social media," said Jenny Armentrout, professor at Saint Mary’s College.
It seems to be the golden rule...in real life and the virtual world.
But some are flat out ignoring it when it comes to social media.
Knowing it's a little ironic, we asked our Facebook viewers – “Are you tired of hearing your friends vent about the election on social media?”
Dawn said: “I'm tired of seeing all the nasty posts on both sides."
Sara said: “Posts have been very annoying. Freedom of speech is fine, but the ignorant swearing is unnecessary."
Christopher said: “Everyone needs to vent sometimes, but it gets old after a while."
And lastly we heard, "I'm tired of it - that's an understatement."
"We're seeing people unfriend each other and disrespect each other in many ways," Armentrout said. She studies social media trends and says people think anything goes on Facebook when it comes to posting an update, but that’s simply not the case.
“You ask the question - Would this happen face to face?," Armentrout said.
So instead of thinking Twitter or Facebook are forums to get your voice heard, Armentrout said think about controlling your sudden outbursts.
Because it's post after post after post.
And tweet after tweet after tweet.
The social media world has gone election crazy. People are venting and celebrating their way through the election aftermath.
Armentrout said posting political comments in good taste is an art.
"It takes some style and saviness to be able to address it in a way where you're sensitive to as many people as you can instead of just your voice being heard," she said.
But some don't mind expressing themselves.
"I think that’s what social media is for,” said Charles McCary. “If you go up and down Facebook or Twitter, it’s nothing but venting or celebration."
Charles McCary works with us at WSBT.
On election night, he experienced an interesting encounter with a friend after a little back and forth on Facebook.
"When I clicked on his page, he unfriended me," McCary said. "To unfriend someone on Facebook because you don’t share their political views is childish."
So, is there a cure for the campaign hangover?
"If you're in the typing phase where your update is abrasive and many people may not want to hear, just don't post it. Be silent"
Some said give it a few days.
Social media is bound to bounce back with another hot topic.
"Get it out of your system now, because tomorrow something new is going to happen," McCary said.