Social media’s surge has birthed the “hater” phenomenon: people who insult those sharing online. But why is there so much hate?
On social media, everyone shows only the good parts of their lives, and it looks like everyone’s happy, which makes people who are struggling feel jealous. Anonymity and distance embolden these keyboard warriors, making them feel powerful. The internet creates a peculiar paradox: it makes us feel distant, but at the same time, it removes social rules, so interactions with people from different backgrounds become very informal, and often rude.
Haters clearly lack empathy. They act without the usual social boundaries, convinced their opinions must be heard. Sometimes, they insult simply for pleasure. Other times, it stems from disagreements about religious and political beliefs, where they skip calm discussion and instead attack, convinced they’re right. And for some, the pursuit of attention, even negative attention, is the sole motivator.
Essentially, nearly every influencer receives a lot of mean comments, which can severely impact their mental health and self-esteem. Some hater comments are particularly harmful: they can incite suicide, threaten individuals, or attempt to ruin their reputation. Unfortunately, social media platforms don’t adequately protect users from these haters.
If you are being targeted by haters, often the best approach is to ignore them. However, if things escalate, you can contact services like The Cybersmile Foundation to report the abuse and receive support. If you are facing cyberbullying or threats, keep records of everything, providing evidence for the authorities.
It’s important to remember that we all have the potential to say something hurtful online. That’s why we should reflect before posting: “Is this helpful? Is it kind? Is it necessary?” A more respectful and inclusive internet is possible, but it requires collective participation.
Author: Chiara Monterosso (JUMP – ITALY)