ARE YOU A CONFLICT-SENSITIVE COMMUNICATOR?

Whenever I go online, I see heated conversations where people say mean things to one another. Some are so hurt by these toxic exchanges that they swear off social media for a while. Some interactions online result in deep psychological wounds, both to the aggressors and the victims because I believe we injure ourselves too when we inflict pain on others.

This reminds me of a term I learned in a bloggers’ workshop some years ago- conflict-sensitive communication. I can’t remember how the experts defined it because I was busy working on my own presentation at the time. But the name alone gives a clue: communication that recognises what can lead to or aggravate conflict and avoids or restrains it. It is also communication that aids in the resolution of conflict.  I think the word ‘moderates’ comes in too. If you have a social media account, you need to learn how to communicate in a conflict-sensitive manner, not only to guide your own direct exchanges with others but to help you mediate in other people’s interactions, particularly on your wall. That is part of what a moderator does.

Are you a conflict sensitive communicator

So to help you identify who is and who is not a conflict-sensitive communicator, kindly answer the questions below:

***Do you insist on airing your views on every matter you come across, including those you may have little or no knowledge of?

***Do you use a harsh and insulting tone? Do you sound like your view is the only valid one and everyone who thinks differently is a moron?

***Do you mount campaigns to cancel those who hold opposing views to you?

***Do you share lies, rumours and unsubstantiated negative reports that could harm others and lead to strife?

***Do you make accusations without evidence and impute wrong motives to others?

***Do you make ad hominem attacks on people you discuss with?

***Do you threaten and doxx people you disagree with?

***Do you keep at a conversation even when it has escalated to a fight? (Insisting on having the last word)

***Do you threaten to block people and report them to the platforms you’re on incessantly?

If you answered to the foregoing in the affirmative, start doing the opposite and you will become a conflict-sensitive communicator.

What other things contribute to conflicts online and how can we handle them?

I wish you a blessed day. ❤?❤

8 comments

  • Ojima Faith

    A conflict sensitive communicator should always listen to people’s opinions and not insist on his own as the ultimate.Thank you ma for sharing this important information.

  • It’s important for a conflict sensitive communicator to listen to people and not inpose his idea on them because he feels his ideas are superior

    • Innocent Esther .C.

      In summary: mind the kind of words and tone in which you address the public. Learn to say “sorry” when you’re wrong, that goes a long way too.

  • Ossai Chidimma Linda

    Another thing that contributes to online conflicts, is forgetting that everyone is entitled to their opinion and shouldn’t always conform to your own opinion.

  • Uzochukwu Angel

    This is the first time of learning about this word” conflict- sensitive”.

  • Bassey Gideon

    This is eye opening Ma. It’s neccesary to master this art as humans and moreso as bidding journalists and reporters.

  • Uderika onyinyechi gift

    the name alone gives a clue: communication that recognises what can lead to or aggravate conflict and avoids or restrains it. It is also communication that aids in the resolution of conflict.  I think the word ‘moderates’ comes in too. If you have a social media account, you need to learn how to communicate in a conflict-sensitive manner, not only to guide your own direct exchanges with others but to help you mediate in other people’s interactions, particularly on your wall. That is part of what a moderator does .truly exceptional ma’am.

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