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A lot of people are struggling with online harassment right now. I know this because several people per week reach out telling me their stories.
I had to close my DMs because I couldn’t answer everyone in a timely fashion. No answer could worsen the feeling of isolation.
I had to close my DMs because I couldn’t answer everyone in a timely fashion. No answer could worsen the feeling of isolation.
There are cases of online harassment that end when a bully or bullies move on to a new target.
More severe incidents will require police involvement.
This thread is for the folks who are experiencing a different form of harassment.
More severe incidents will require police involvement.
This thread is for the folks who are experiencing a different form of harassment.
If you’re doing impactful work or reach a certain number of followers, a subset of your audience will follow you for the pleasure of harassing you.
Next time you speak to someone with a large audience on social media, ask them about it. They’ll confirm.
Next time you speak to someone with a large audience on social media, ask them about it. They’ll confirm.
You will get frustrated by the fact that some followers will hate & derive pleasure out of tormenting you. They’ll weaponize your words & have a screenshot waiting to cancel you at a moment’s notice.
“Accountability!” They’ll cry.
It sucks. I’m sorry it’s happening to you.
“Accountability!” They’ll cry.
It sucks. I’m sorry it’s happening to you.
It’s impossible to shake these folks and limited recourse is available.
I’d like for you to think about these people through a different lens. It might be helpful in certain (not all) contexts.
Think of the trolls as fans.
I’d like for you to think about these people through a different lens. It might be helpful in certain (not all) contexts.
Think of the trolls as fans.
Your fans will critique every tweet and every comment. They will faithfully scour the Internet for your activity. Fans will read your articles and watch every one of your videos. They will ask questions.
Fans will subtweet you. They will be there when you are at your best. They will be there when you are at your worst. Fans are consistent with their following of your online activity and work.
If you have haters, it’s a sign that you have impact.
The next time you have the urge to respond to a troll making a fuss on one of your post, remember that the person is just an eager fan.
The next time you have the urge to respond to a troll making a fuss on one of your post, remember that the person is just an eager fan.
