When You Can Be Anything, Be Kind: The Rise of Online Trolling and Media Cruelty
In today’s digital age, a disturbing trend has emerged—harsh criticism, vicious trolling, and the spread of unkindness online.
This behaviour isn’t just the work of anonymous individuals; even major organisations, including reputable media outlets, can contribute to a culture of negativity.
What drives this phenomenon, and how can we counter it?
The Anonymity and Influence of the Online World
One of the most significant factors contributing to the rise of online cruelty is the anonymity provided by the internet. People who might otherwise feel powerless in their everyday lives can create anonymous accounts on platforms like Twitter, Reddit, or Instagram. This anonymity can make them feel larger than life, emboldening them to say things they would never express face-to-face.
Consider a person who creates a fake Twitter profile to harass a celebrity. Behind the screen, they feel empowered, as if their words carry more weight than they would in person. They might gain a following, with others joining in the negativity, further amplifying their sense of importance. Basically its cowardly.
But it’s not just individuals. Large organisations, including media outlets, can also contribute to this culture. Major newspapers and news channels sometimes engage in what’s known as “clickbait journalism,” where sensational headlines and disparaging stories are used to attract readers and viewers. The focus on negativity—whether it’s a critical review of a public figure’s actions or a sensationalised account of a celebrity’s personal life—feeds into a broader societal trend of tearing people down to generate engagement.
A well-known tabloid might publish a headline like, “Celebrity X’s Embarrassing Mistake at Awards Show,” knowing it will attract clicks. The story might be trivial or exaggerated, but it plays into the public’s appetite for scandal and schadenfreude.
Psychological Drivers Behind the Behaviour
The psychology of online behaviour also plays a significant role. The internet lowers inhibitions and creates a disinhibition effect, where people feel free to express thoughts and emotions they would usually keep in check. This can lead to projection—where individuals project their insecurities and frustrations onto others, often in the form of harsh comments or unfair criticism.
A person struggling with their self-esteem might take to social media to criticise a successful influencer. By tearing someone else down, they temporarily feel better about their own situation.
Media organisations aren’t immune to this psychology either. Sensationalism sells, and the more extreme or negative the coverage, the more attention it garners. This can create a feedback loop where negativity is perpetuated and normalised, both in individual interactions and in the media landscape.
Even politicians can fall into this pattern, spreading untrue or spiteful comments about their opponents to sway public opinion. Without proper accountability, these remarks can go viral, influencing public perception and further polarising political discourse. For example, during election campaigns, it's not uncommon to see misleading ads or tweets from politicians attacking their opponents with exaggerated or false claims, knowing that these statements may not be fact-checked by all voters. This is fundamentally wrong.
The Power of Echo Chambers
Social media platforms often contribute to the problem by creating echo chambers—spaces where users are exposed mainly to opinions that reinforce their own beliefs. This can lead to a warped sense of reality, where the negativity one spreads is echoed back, making it seem more widespread and justified than it actually is.
A Facebook user might join a group that harshly criticises a particular public figure. Within this group, negative opinions are constantly reinforced, making each member feel that their harsh views are more widely accepted than they might be in the broader society.
Media outlets can also fall into this trap. A news channel with a particular political bias might consistently portray certain individuals or groups negatively, catering to their audience’s pre-existing beliefs and reinforcing a cycle of negativity.
How to Handle the Rise of Unkindness
Dealing with this pervasive unkindness requires a multi-faceted approach. Its important firstly that we recognise what is happening and share with others so that the trolls dont win.
Personal Strategies:
Ignore and Don’t Engage: When faced with trolling or negativity, the best response is often no response. Trolls thrive on attention, so starving them of it can be effective.
Block and Report: Use platform tools to block and report abusive users. This not only protects you but also helps platforms identify and deal with harmful behaviour.
If someone repeatedly leaves negative comments on your Instagram posts, blocking and reporting them ensures they can no longer engage with your content.
Media Literacy and Critical Consumption:
Be a Critical Consumer: Recognize sensationalism and bias in the media. Don’t take headlines at face value—look for balanced, factual reporting.
Speak Out Against Negative Media: Use your voice to call out unfair media practices and support responsible journalism.
If a news outlet publishes a particularly harsh or sensational story, consider writing to the editor or sharing your concerns on social media.
Promote Positive Behavior:
Foster Positivity: Whether online or offline, promoting kindness can create a ripple effect. Engage in and encourage positive discussions and behaviour.
Join or start a social media campaign like #SpreadKindness, which encourages users to share positive stories and uplift others.
Community and Platform Accountability:
Advocate for Better Moderation: Encourage platforms to implement stricter moderation policies to curb trolling and harassment.
Reddit has implemented strict moderation in some subreddits to maintain respectful discourse, setting an example for how communities can self-regulate.
Building a Kinder Online World
The rise of online trolling and harsh criticism reflects deeper issues within both individuals and society. Anonymity, psychological factors, media practices, and social media dynamics all contribute to this troubling trend. However, by fostering kindness, practising critical media consumption, and advocating for better online practices, we can push back against this wave of negativity. When we choose to be kind—whether as individuals or as part of larger organisations—we help create a more supportive and respectful digital world.
Sharing your story
In a world where online negativity can feel overwhelming, sharing your own experiences can be a powerful way to connect with others and promote a culture of kindness. Have you ever been the target of online trolling or harsh criticism? How did it affect you, and what steps did you take to deal with it? By opening up about your experiences— you can help others who might be going through something similar. Your story might provide the support and encouragement someone else needs to navigate their own challenges. Together, by sharing and listening, we can build a more compassionate online community.
