In this short piece, originally posted on Facebook, Eli Brown-Stevenson explains his personal vow, “Don’t comment.”

“Don’t comment” is a vow that I made with my teacher that has been the most beneficial way to address my social media usage.

I used to get into endless comment wars with others. Behind screens, I was more likely to use unskillful communication methods and engage with less empathy.

If I see something that I feel needs to be addressed, I will call or direct message the person and ask for a conversation. If something is that important to express, then it deserves an actual discussion. This goes for commenting on something good or bad. Compliments too should be directly delivered and mean more when they are.

When I’m on social media and am not commenting, I find that I am actually able to listen. In the past when I did not have a “no comment practice,” I would notice that I was browsing social media with the intent or motive to argue with someone.

For more on mindful social media consumption, check out the following: