Social media has played a large role in this election: from the tweets and posts made by the candidates, to the remarks of their followers and the media. Everything is more sharable, engaging, and conversational. This can be good and bad. It’s good because we are able to practice our right to free speech, but it can be bad when it comes to the overwhelming spread of negativity.

Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of things about this election that make me upset. I wish the candidates didn’t say certain things at times, and it can be easy to bring out the worst in each of them. But that’s all I feel like this election is on social media and in the news. You see angry articles, attacking memes and videos, one right after the other, all of which are just in favor of one candidate and taking down the other.

While most elections usually turn in to a popularity contest, I see it more than ever with this one. Since when did the future of our country turn into just picking the candidate that we hate less? People seem to just be sticking with one side or the other without looking at the bigger picture. It seems like no one is actually looking at the issues this year and instead just looking for new gossip and drama to spread.

What makes this election hard is that you see some of your friends and family posting and sharing about candidates who you may not support. Maybe it was just one post or maybe it was 10, but you just don’t know what to do: do you comment and attack back, state your opinions, or just stay silent? You don’t want to burn bridges or make things awkward with certain people but you don’t want to feel like your opinion is nothing.

These last few weeks of campaigning will most likely be brutal on all social media and news platforms. Everyone is going to try and get their last few jabs at each other, including your family friends.

So what can you do?

Read and become as informed as possible.

If you choose to join the conversation and want your opinion to count, make sure you are as informed as possible. Read about the important issues from credible sources and make sure you know how the opposite candidates stand on the issues. You are just as powerful to your audience as the next person. Keep your eyes set on the issues and don’t become overtaken by negative and attacking posts. You most likely won’t change anyone’s minds with your conversation, but you can share your voice and stand up for what you believe.

Think before you speak.

It’s tough when this is something that our candidates aren’t even doing, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to be like them. If a family member or friend comments on a post you share or responds to a comment you have, don’t try and have the quickest, wittiest, or funniest response back. Take your time to have a well-thought-out answer.

Stay strong.

When others try to tear you down and tell you that you are wrong, you don’t have to listen to them. The wonderful thing about being an American is that you have the right and freedom to believe what you want. Everyone is getting hotheaded this election and may not mean the things they say. Stay calm and focus on the bigger issues these upcoming weeks. Remember, everyone gets one vote, including you; don’t let anyone bully you to change what you stand for.

VOTE.

When it is all said and done, voting is all that someone really can do to make their voice known on a national level. Though the election may frustrate you or you may think it's all ridiculous, it is still crucial that you vote. Your say in this election is bigger than you think.