No way. There's no way to survive. The best and most correct way to participate in discussions: not to participate and not engage in the discussion. I'm talking about artistic groups now. When works are exhibited for display, that's when it starts! I sense the smiles of the artists. And I'm feeling the same. Look at what's happening. And why. Dominance is shown in the amount of text, the number of comments, and the direction of the text.
I recently saw when the author of the post suggested to a lady in such a role to switch positions. It looked like "show me your work and I'll advise you, I can do that too." The lady burst into personal insults. I think you understand why. There are also comments like "why do I see this for the third day in a row in my feed, get out of my friends, I don't want to see this!" And often those who demand to remove the post comment under every word. They are outraged that this post is shown at the top of their feed. It's a pity that nobody is outraged by their own infantilism.
What do commentators do? They fantasize and write a response to their fantasy in their heads. The author's goal of the post is clear only if they voiced it. Let me explain. When there's a question about the quality of the work, a request for criticism and tips, then it's a different story about responding to requests. During heated discussions, they usually write off-topic, voicing their fears, pains, what bothers them in real life, what they suppress deep down, and that's what they write about.
Let me give you a vivid example, when a painting with nudity is exhibited. Usually, the plot and presentation tear apart the consciousness of many viewers. Immediately there are options like "you shouldn't paint like this, look how it should be done, you shouldn't paint this topic, you should paint something else, you shouldn't show your works." Artists, those who are reading me now, you see these discussions in bundles. I feel your smiles. Moreover, pay attention, the authors of the posts are different, the paintings are different, and the commentators change, but the texts are almost identical. Be curious, read with thought, and compare. Enjoy.
If your goal is to pour out your negativity and pain, attract attention, then go ahead into a heated discussion, get involved in every statement. Yes, and the risk of encountering trolls is maximum. They love to humiliate, know how to, practice with pleasure and cynicism. If your goal is just to exhibit, and you didn't expect a heated debate, or you're testing the market, or analyzing the reaction to your works or the target audience of the group, then it's reasonable to take the position of an observer.
Abstract yourself from the discussion and the post. You have a ticket in the audience, not an engagement as an actor in a theatrical troupe. Respond to a comment only if you were asked a question. Specifically asked, with a tag on your name, or addressing you directly as the author. And only if you want to or feel it's necessary to answer.
Because if you were asked, it doesn't mean you have to drop everything and run to argue and justify. The responsibility for the other's reaction lies on their territory, not yours. In all other cases, keep silent. You're not being asked, so keep silent. keep silent. keep silent. If you're asked directly, think whether you need to answer at all.
Isn't the mechanism clear? Well, they want to pour out their inner turmoil. Why on you? And what's your role here? Let them choose someone else and pour out their song further. I'll repeat. If you're not asked, keep silent. If you're asked directly, think whether you need to answer at all.