Dealing with Online Negativity

The internet is a difficult place to navigate. It has become the new playground for online bullying, resulting in a direct relationship between time spent on the internet and poorer mental health. The anonymity of the internet means people don’t feel accountable for what they’re saying, and there is a false sense of confidence to say whatever is on their mind. In fact, 71% of social media users in Canada agree that people tend to be more hostile and negative online than they would in real life.

 So why do we allow ourselves to spend hours each day scrolling through these hateful comments? How does this affect one’s mental well-being when this negativity is absorbed everyday of our lives? Reading negative comments creates an unfortunate negativity bias in our own thinking style, which can lead to worsening mood, poor self-esteem, and even depression.

 Here are some tips on how to better deal with online negativity:

 1.     Step away when you feel triggered - take a Deep Breath!

Simply stepping away from your phone or computer after receiving a hurtful comment helps to avoid impulsive responses. Impulsively responding when emotions are high is a sure-fire way of creating more conflict. Reflect on your response – try to take an educational stance (i.e. how can I portray my experience without putting the other person down?)

 2.     De-personalize

 Protect your mental health by de-personalizing hateful comments or messages you receive. Remember, people are overly hostile on the internet, and it is not a reflection of who you are. What they know about you online only comes from what you are posting and what they can see on their screen. Often, someone is leaving these types of comments to rile you up or make you upset. They are looking for a reaction from you because they feed off conflict. When all else fails – forgive and move on!  

 3.     Focus on the Positive

 One of the best things you can do for yourself is to focus on the positivity online rather than the negative (yes! It does exist!). There is great value in reducing the amount of negativity you dwell on daily. This could be as simple as only responding to the positive comments you receive from friends and family. Why not leave positive comments for others as well? While “liking” a post is nice, start a trend by complimenting others on their achievements! Positive comments will inspire additional positivity – shaping how others may respond to the post as well. Behind every social media post, news article, website, online blog, video, there is another human being.

 If you or a loved one are dealing with a lot of online negativity (remember, teenagers are especially vulnerable!), it might be worth talking to a therapist about it. Reach out to one of our clinicians at Brookhaven Psychotherapy as we offer specialized support to help you learn strategies on how to achieve a balanced, healthy social life.

Learn more about teen therapy here