What Does consider Mean on Social Media?

On social media, consider usually means to think carefully about something before making a decision or taking action. It is used when someone is evaluating an idea, a post, a product, or another person’s opinion. For example, if a friend writes, “I’m considering deleting my account,” they are thinking about doing it but haven’t decided yet. In social media contexts, consider often signals a moment of reflection, hesitation, or weighing pros and cons before sharing, commenting, or making a change.

Quick Answer

On social media, consider means to think about something carefully before acting. It is common in posts about decisions (e.g., “I’m considering a digital detox”), in replies to advice (e.g., “I’ll consider your suggestion”), and in comments about content (e.g., “Consider this before you post”). It is a polite, thoughtful word that shows you are not rushing into a choice.

How consider Is Used on Social Media

On platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, consider appears in several common patterns. It is often used to express hesitation, to give advice, or to ask for feedback. Below is a comparison of how consider works in different social media situations.

Comparison Table: consider in Social Media Contexts

Formal vs. Informal Tone

Consider is a relatively formal word, but it is used naturally in both formal and informal social media contexts. On LinkedIn or in professional discussions, it sounds appropriate and respectful. On Instagram or Twitter, it can still work, but it may feel slightly more serious than casual alternatives like think about or maybe.

• Formal (LinkedIn, professional groups): “I would encourage you to consider the long-term impact of this strategy.”
• Informal (Twitter, Instagram): “I’m considering just taking a break from social media for a while.”

In informal chat or text, people often shorten it to “I’m thinking about” instead of “I’m considering.” But consider is still common in written posts and replies, especially when the writer wants to sound thoughtful or polite.

Email vs. Conversation Context

In email, consider is very common, especially in professional or formal messages. For example: “Please consider my proposal before the meeting.” On social media, it appears more in comments and direct messages than in quick replies. In a fast-paced conversation (like a Twitter thread), people might use consider to slow down the discussion and ask for reflection.

Nuance: The Difference Between “Consider” and “Think About”

On social media, consider often implies a more deliberate, careful thought process than think about. For example:

• “Think about it” = casual suggestion, maybe quick.
• “Consider it” = more serious, asking for real evaluation.

This nuance matters when you want to sound respectful or when you are giving important advice.

Natural Examples

Here are real-life examples of how consider appears in social media posts and comments:

1. Personal decision:
   “I’m considering deleting my Facebook account. It’s just too distracting.”
   Meaning: The person is thinking seriously about leaving the platform.

2. Giving advice:
   “If you’re new to Instagram, consider posting at least once a day for the first month.”
   Meaning: The writer suggests a strategy for growth.

3. Reacting to feedback:
   “Thanks for the tip. I’ll consider changing my profile picture.”
   Meaning: The person acknowledges the advice and may act on it.

4. Warning:
   “Consider how your words might affect others before you comment.”
   Meaning: A reminder to be thoughtful and kind.

5. Asking for opinion:
   “What do you consider the most important feature of a good bio?”
   Meaning: The person wants to know what others value.

Common Mistakes

English learners sometimes use consider incorrectly. Here are the most frequent errors on social media:

Mistake 1: Using “consider to” + verb

• Incorrect: “I consider to change my username.”
• Correct: “I am considering changing my username.”
• Why: After consider, use a gerund (verb + -ing), not an infinitive.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the object

• Incorrect: “I will consider.” (incomplete)
• Correct: “I will consider your suggestion.”
• Why: Consider usually needs an object (what you are thinking about).

Mistake 3: Using “consider” for quick decisions

• Incorrect: “I consider this post is good.” (sounds unnatural)
• Correct: “I think this post is good.” or “I consider this post to be good.”
• Why: Consider is for careful thought, not for quick opinions.

Mistake 4: Confusing “consider” with “regard”

• Incorrect: “I consider him as a friend.”
• Correct: “I consider him a friend.” (no “as” needed)
• Why: Consider is followed directly by the object and complement.

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

Depending on the tone and platform, you might choose a different word instead of consider. Here are some common alternatives used on social media:

• Think about – More casual, good for quick replies. Example: “I’ll think about it.”
• Weigh – More formal, used in serious discussions. Example: “Weigh the pros and cons.”
• Reflect on – More thoughtful, used in deeper conversations. Example: “Reflect on your goals.”
• Look into – Used when researching. Example: “I’ll look into that option.”
• Mull over – Informal, suggests slow thinking. Example: “I’m mulling over your idea.”

When to Use “Consider”

Use consider when you want to sound polite, thoughtful, or professional. It is especially good for:

• Giving respectful advice
• Responding to feedback
• Expressing a decision that is not final
• Asking for serious opinions

Mini Practice Section

Test your understanding of consider in social media contexts. Choose the best option for each sentence.

1. “I’m ______ deleting my Instagram account.”
   a) considering to
   b) considering
   c) consider

2. “Please ______ the privacy settings before you post.”
   a) consider
   b) consider to
   c) considering

3. “She ______ him a close online friend.”
   a) considers
   b) is considering
   c) consider

4. “What do you ______ the most important rule for social media?”
   a) consider
   b) consider to be
   c) both a and b are possible

Answers

1. b) considering (correct form: “I’m considering deleting”)
2. a) consider (imperative: “Please consider”)
3. a) considers (present simple: “She considers him a friend”)
4. c) both a and b are possible (“What do you consider the most important rule?” or “What do you consider to be the most important rule?”)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use “consider” in a comment on a friend’s post?

Yes. It sounds polite and thoughtful. For example: “I’ll consider your advice about using better hashtags.” It shows you respect their opinion.

2. Is “consider” too formal for Instagram stories?

Not necessarily. It can work if you want to sound serious or reflective. For casual stories, “think about” is more common. But using consider occasionally can make you sound more mature.

3. What is the difference between “consider” and “think about” on social media?

Consider is more deliberate and careful. Think about is more casual and can be used for quick ideas. For example, “Think about it” is lighter than “Consider it carefully.”

4. Can I use “consider” in a direct message?

Yes. It is common in DMs, especially when giving advice or responding to a question. For example: “I’ll consider your suggestion and get back to you.” It sounds respectful and clear.

Final Tip

When you use consider on social media, remember to follow it with a gerund (verb + -ing) or a noun. Avoid using “to” after it. Practice with the examples above, and soon you will use it naturally in your posts, comments, and messages. For more help with phrasal verbs and social media language, explore our Social Media Context guides or visit our FAQ page for common questions.