Many Canadians believe Canadian politics is becoming less civil, and social media is one reason why. In the Samara Centre’s 2019 survey, Canadians say political conversations online are angrier (48%) and less civil (50%) than offline political discussion. Political conversations online are skewed and unrepresentative—and we’re missing out on important voices. Nearly half (47%) of Canadian social media users say they stay out of political discussions out of fear of being criticized, and more Canadian social media users say they do not feel safe sharing political views online (41%) than do (31%). // But social media still offers great potential for our democracy. It provides unique opportunities for citizens to hear from one another, and be exposed to differing viewpoints. Canadians themselves can help engender more civil, respectful, and constructive political conversations online. The Field Guide offers DIY strategies taken from the research on incivility and online communication. Strategies include leading by example (because civility attracts more civility), calling out bad behaviour from people on our own political teams, and changing how and when we use social media to debate politics to make sure we’re at our best.