For the past few weeks, I have been a target of online hate for something I really did not do or intend to do.
I have been tagged on tweets, posts and comments that berates my intelligence, my self-esteem, some called me names, some even poked fun at my height and weight.
Of course, like any human being, I felt pain when I read them, initially. And it’s human nature to transfer the pain and anger that we feel. I wanted to defend myself and retaliate, only to realise I do not know who these online monsters are. They hide behind their celebrity idols’ faces and names, not realising that their monstrous behaviour can be visually associated with the celebrities they love and respect. These monsters do not realise that when they propagate hate, it’s not their faces and reputation that gets tarnished – it is the celebrities.
The online anonymity they posses make them feel so powerful. For the first time, they can say whatever they want to anyone, even celebrities, without being accountable and responsible for the pain and trauma they may cause. They become addicted to the social disinhibition their anonymity provides.
But here lies the truth – these people who bask in anonymity and social disinhibition are weak people in real life. And I empathise, maybe they feel lonely, insecure, insignificant. That’s where all the hate comes from.
These online monsters can hate me all they want, all their lives. But I know I’m strong enough to handle that hate. I’m not perfect but I trust myself, I know myself. My self-esteem is intact. Real courage is taking responsibility of your words and action, and how they affect other people. No matter what these online monsters say about me, I have people – real people with real identities, real names and real passions – who remind me that I am worthy to be loved and respected.
Online anonymity turns weak people into monsters. Let’s be stronger. Let’s be human.