If the “Chicago Life” Snapchat story has taught us anything about Chicagoans on social media, it’s that we’re awful. There are a few social media offenses, however, that truly take the cake. Here are the five most annoying things Chicagoans do on social media (and yes, I’ve done at least three of them).
1. Complain about public transportation
We know, it’s 8:52am and your train is just sitting on the tracks, not moving, with no end in sight. If you’re like most Chicagoans, you probably turn to Twitter and complain about the Brown Line screwing you over once again. Well, you probably should’ve left your apartment earlier, and @CTAFails isn’t going to help you. This also applies to Metra riders, even though the Metra is almost always worse.
2. Throw shade at suburbanites
It’s hard not to get all judge-y when there’s a CTA car full of drunk folks from Naperville on their way to a Cubs game, but take deep breaths and remember, you too are from Naperville. Just because you’ve lived in Chicago for three years doesn’t give you the right to social media-shame them all just because they don’t have a zip code that starts with 606. But if they’re doing dumb things, you have my permission, it’s fair game.
3. Posting your 17th skyline photo on Instagram... in a row
Congratulations, you go on “runs” after work along the Lakefront Trail. How great is that marathon training really going if you’re stopping every quarter mile to take photos anyway? I know it’s really awesome that we live in a city where you can run along the lake while also seeing our fantastic skyline, but the Sierra filter isn’t going to make it any better than the Valencia filter from last week. Self-restraint is key.
4. Pretend to be a Blackhawks fan
I know there are plenty of hockey fans out there who knew what a Blackhawk was before 2009—this isn’t for you. This is for those of you who feel the need to put in your Twitter bio that you’re a #Blackhawks fan, and then during a playoff game tweet “great first quarter Hawks!” Unless you’re talking about the Atlanta Hawks, a basketball team, it’s time for some self-reflection. And yes, this example is 100 percent real. I wish I were making it up.
5. Ever, at any moment, refer to Chicago as “Chi”
Just say no. Bonus awful points for “The Chi” and “Chi City.”