From Advocacy to Anxiety: Breaking the Loop of Online Hate

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We can all agree that the internet is a powerful tool we can use to connect with others around the world. It is also home to many social media sites like X (previously Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and more which allow us all to see content from around the globe. The unfortunate truth is that sometimes the content that we see online can be deeply unsettling.

For example, certain prominent influencers use their platform to spread hateful messages to their audience and beyond. As a result, this inspires many fans of those influencers to parrot hateful messages, so more viewers will begin to parrot what they see from those fans, etc. It is a cycle of hatred that begins to spread online, and when it reaches your internet space; it can be demoralizing to watch. This can especially be demoralizing when you see hateful messages to marginalized groups. You feel obligated to reply and fire back in the hopes of making a change, only to realize that the effort may be futile in the face of toxic internet culture.

Speaking from personal experience, as a fellow frequenter of social media, my timelines and dashboards were filled with hateful messages. I couldn't help but give these negative posts the time of day, responding with comebacks and reading arguments about the content. This would make me mentally exhausted each time I came online, and that would reflect on how I would go about my day. I was paranoid, easily angry, and disappointed at the thought that so many individuals out there in the world would choose hate.

It can be hard to relax online when you see hundreds of hateful posts each day. In this article, I suggest my own personal tips to curate your online space to be less stressful.

Blocking:

According to the App Store and Google App Store guidelines, apps with user-generated content must add the block feature. This block feature is one of the easiest ways to ensure that the content you don't want to see won't reappear for you. Often, the option to block can be found in the user settings of each profile you find online.

The myth that blocking users online is a weakness in your mental constitution is a lie! The function was created for users to protect themselves online, and using the blocking feature to protect your peace is perfectly understandable. If things ever become too much for you regarding online content, consider blocking users who generate that negative content.

Taking a break:

When we spend all our time online, the idea of stepping away from the screen can sound daunting, or even impossible if we find ourselves depending on the internet for entertainment in our daily lives.

If you struggle with putting the phone down, try utilizing the screen time function to control how much time you spend on certain apps. The screen time function can usually be found on the settings app of your device, and from there you should pick what options will work best for you. The idea is that if you can't have access to your favorite apps, the idea is that you will gradually lose the urge to pick up your phone and scroll.

Taking a break from the computer can be a different beast to tackle, but knowing that you can always walk away from your device is important.

But why is staying away from online hate and negativity important?

I had previously mentioned the cycle of seeing hate online that makes you want to respond, and there is a reason why online activism can do more harm than good. Being in a negative, constant argumentative mood can be bad for your mental health and well-being. As the algorithm continues to give you more content to argue against, you remain trapped in this negative cycle with no way to get out.

Although sharing online sources for those who are curious and are open to discussion is invaluable in spreading the word about social justice and other issues, you should also be aware that more often than not, most online posters are making posts to get reactions out of the internet. It is best not to engage with these individuals, but instead put your focus on really making a change.

How can I help in the real world?

There are many things that you can do to help create positive change. Here is a list of things that you can try out instead of trapping yourself in online negativity:

Volunteer. You can volunteer in many places; whether it be your local food banks, homeless centers, and non-profit organizations. By volunteering, you are taking action to improve the lives of others one step at a time. Check out this website if you are curious about volunteering opportunities around you.

Get creative. Express yourself and the world around you by creating artwork you can show to your community, inspiring others to change and enrich their lives.

Start something new. Whether it be a business, advocate group, or new practices to help you make the change you want in the world, starting something new is a rejuvenating and exciting venture that will make more impact on yourself and the world than fighting strangers online.

It can be hard to leave your internet habits behind, but focusing your energy on things that can enrich yourself and the world around you is far more important than getting into needless arguments. There is more to life than just the online forum, and the outside world is waiting to see what changes you can make.

Everyone, live life to the fullest it can be!

By Mary Hannah Capistrano