The Emotional Minefield of Modern Comment Sections

The other day, I was reading an online post, and someone’s comment sparked something inside me. So, I fired off what I thought was a sharp and pithy response. Then I thought, “That was dumb. Stop doing that.”

There was a time when social media comment sections were like digital town squares—places where people could share ideas, debate respectfully, and maybe even learn something new. But those days seem long gone. Now, stepping into a comment section is like walking through an emotional minefield. One misunderstood phrase, one poorly timed joke, and suddenly—there goes your afternoon.

What used to be a conversation has turned into a fight. You share a thought, someone misreads it, another person jumps in, and suddenly it’s no longer about the topic — it’s about winning. The goal isn’t to connect; it’s to clap back. And once the thread catches fire, no one even remembers what started it.

The irony is that the platforms claiming to connect us are actually the ones profiting from our division. Outrage isn’t a mistake in the system—it’s how the system makes money. Anger keeps us scrolling. Shock keeps us clicking. Every argument boosts engagement, and engagement equals profit. It’s a cycle that rewards negativity, and we’ve all become unpaid participants—content creators fueled by frustration.

And here’s the surprising part: even talking about this might trigger the same kind of reaction. Maybe this very post will end up flooded with the exact comments it describes. Which, in a way, proves the point.

Maybe it’s time we step back. Close the comment tab. Go outside. Talk to someone face-to-face, and remember that most people aren’t as cruel as they seem through a screen. Behind every username is a person who probably just wants to be understood.

The truth is, online arguments rarely change minds—they just strengthen barriers. True empathy doesn’t occur in threads; it happens in moments of silence, in listening, in understanding that disagreement doesn’t have to mean disdain. If we can remember that, maybe we can start to reclaim what the internet once promised: connection, not conflict.

(Tim Herrera is the author of “Public Speaking: Simple Steps to Improve Your Skills” and “Mastering Media: Strategies for Effective Communication in the Digital Age.”  You’ll find both Amazon.)