I was scrolling through Instagram the other day, and I just happened to look through the comments of @velvetgh0st and @nikidemar photos, and I was quite honestly shocked at the words some people say about others. Online hate is something we are all familiar with, whether we have experienced it ourselves or witnessed it happening to others, however not many people understand how serious it has got lately - I know I didn't, and quite honestly I felt sick afterwards.
The thing is, we are all humans. And being humans, we all have opinions and feelings about people, places and objects. If someone constantly talks through a film or television programme I love watching, I could think of a million things I could say to them; but you know what? I don't. I don't say anything because I understand that people get hurt and affected by words and actions from other people. Hurt is one of the few emotions that are the hardest to get over, and move on from.
However, more and more people are finding the opportunity to hate on others behind the mask of their social media profiles. It has become so easy for people of any age to join and create social media profiles to hide behind when they hate on others. I find this really upsetting that some people go through the effort of creating a hate account just to put others down. I sometime disagree with what someone is wearing or doing, but never in a million years would I go up to that person on social media or in real life and tell them that!
If someone has really bad teeth, why would you comment on their post just to mention that fact? I recently saw this on Instagram towards one of my favourite accounts, and I was honestly shocked. Why would you point out the part of their body that they are probably most conscious about? If someone is wearing more makeup than you would recommend, why would you go and tell them that? People, although they put on a mask, are more delicate than you think and words can often do more damage than physical weapons.
So please, I beg you - the next time you see someone doing something you wouldn't do, or wearing something you wouldn't wear, please keep the opinion to yourself. Words are more hurtful than you realise, and people can get deeply affected for a long time. Life is too short to put down others, and why not make the most of it while you can, as you don't know when it would be over.
What are your opinions on online hate?
I find the whole concept of online hate ridiculous. I agree with you, I would never go up to somebody in real life and say something outright negative, so why do people think it's okay to do it online? Being anonymous shouldn't be an excuse to hate on others. Obviously disagreement is fine in cases such as if two people are having a discussion or a debate, but it should never get to a 'hate' stage, or to the point where you're commenting on someone's looks rather than their thoughts and views; it's just unnecessary. Really great post!
ReplyDeleteMegan | Lazy Thoughts
Thank you, I am so glad you agree! x
DeleteWhat an awesome post, Paige! Thanks for sharing. :) I truly couldn't agree more. I once had an anonymous commenter who would say mean thing on my blog and other peoples' blogs that I designed. They would go on and on about how ugly my blog designs were and such. I tried not to let it affect me but, in truth, it did..a lot. I turned to some of my closest blogger friends about the situation and they were so understanding and stood up for me when the commenter would strike. Eventually the hate comments stopped (which is such a relief)! Every time I see hate comments on social media it makes me sick to my stomach. It's so childish and very unnecessary to puts someone down like that. Especially when most of the haters hide behind anonymous profiles.
ReplyDeleteeveofwomanhood.blogspot.com
That is awful, I am so glad that it has all been sorted now! I think that online hate is often worse than real life hate, as you said, people hide behind their anonymous and often take it to a new level when they know that the victim doesn't know who they are. x
DeleteThis is such an awesome post! I haven't received any hate for my blog (yet...) but some of my friends have and it is honestly such a terrible feeling. Thank you for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteThank you - I agree, it must be horrible!
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