The Dark side of Online Writing: A Personal Account
“Someone is impersonating you and he just sent me a vulgar photo,” my friend Sarah messaged me on Facebook.“Here we go again,” I groaned,wondering what could have possibly driven this man to such vindictive behavior. He was creating fake profiles in my name, harassing my friends and other users on the platform.
I had always known that opening my writing to the public could expose me to criticism.Spending countless hours on democratized platforms, where anyone can comment, inevitably opens the door to negativity. But the ferocity and vindictiveness of some online commenters surprised me. Even though I write about largely non-controversial topics, these individuals persisted in their harassment, finding new ways to cause trouble even after being blocked.
There where sleepless nights spent wondering what could have caused this individual so much pain to evoke such anger. Each new account he created required a report and subsequent ban, turning the situation into an exhausting game of whack-a-mole.
Eventually, the barrage subsided. Maybe he lost interest, or perhaps the platform finally found a way to curb his behavior. he created over 200 fake Sean Kernan accounts over a span of four months.
I know I’m not alone in experiencing this dark side of online interaction. A 2022 Pew Research Center study found that 40% of people have experienced online harassment. This number is significant considering many people don’t even use social media. A staggering 73% of internet users have witnessed someone being harassed or intentionally embarrassed online.
When I first started writing publicly, I tried reasoning with the negative comments. I naively thoght I could convert them to a more positive mindset. But within a few months, I realized the futility of engaging. I adopted a strict rule to avoid back-and-forths with online critics.
I reserve serious discussions for face-to-face interactions with people I know and trust. This became especially important as the ratio of negativity to constructive feedback dwindled, a common result of reduced content moderation budgets.
## The Toxic Spiral of Online Harassment Online harassment, notably the kind frequently enough seen on platforms like Reddit, can have a profoundly damaging effect on a community’s culture. A study of 15,000 Reddit users, led by Dr. Rafal Urbaniak, revealed a disturbing trend: harassment tends to drive away friendly and welcoming users, ultimately increasing the proportion of toxic individuals within the platform. This phenomenon creates a vicious cycle, where negativity becomes normalized and the platform becomes less hospitable for those who seek genuine connection and positive interactions.I’ve personally experienced the sting of online harassment, and it left a lasting impression. Engaging in a heated argument with a particularly aggressive individual, I later discovered that my sparring partner was a middle schooler. It served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of online spaces and the need for greater empathy and understanding. ### Understanding the Roots of Cyberbullying Dr. Chris Barlett, a social psychologist, has shed light on the key factors that contribute to cyberbullying. His research showed that several key predictors can increase the likelihood of someone engaging in this harmful behavior.- Gender: While cyberbullying is prevalent among all genders,being male is statistically correlated with a higher likelihood of engaging in this behavior.
The internet,with its vast anonymity,can regrettably bring out the worst in some people. I’ve seen firsthand how easily unkindness can spread online. Years ago, I used to relish in provoking negative reactions from others.I’d post inflammatory comments, like saying people
“who wear glasses are seen as nerds and less desirable,” and then gleefully watch the angry responses pour in. The feeling of power I derived from it was intoxicating. Karma, however, has a way of catching up. Soon after, I found myself needing glasses and was subjected to the same kind of online harassment I had once dished out.
It’s easy to forget that there’s a real person on the other side of the screen.frequently enough,those who resort to hostility online are deeply unhappy individuals. Sometimes, they’re simply exhibiting the “online disinhibition effect,” feeling emboldened by anonymity to say and do things they wouldn’t in person. They can lash out without facing consequences or witnessing the detrimental impact of their words. it’s also worth remembering that many online aggressors are young people whose brains haven’t fully developed and lack the maturity to understand the weight of their actions.
My personal philosophy is simple: kindness above all. I welcome anyone who is friendly and constructive into my online space.Choosing kindness, even when faced with negativity, ultimately leads to a more fulfilling experience. remember, the internet is a vast and diverse place. You have the power to curate your interactions and choose the communities you engage with.don’t forget that. And if possible, resist the urge to engage with trolls—feeding them only fuels their fire.
## Archyde Interview: Sean Kernan on the Dark Side of Online Writing
**Interviewer:** Sean, thanks for joining us today. Your piece on Archyde gave a raw and honest look at the darker side of online writing. Can you tell our readers a bit about your experience with online harassment?
**Sean Kernan:** Absolutely. As a writer who shares my work publicly, I’ve sadly become familiar with the venomous side of the internet. While I expected some criticism, the level of personal attacks and relentless harassment I experienced from one individual was shocking and unsettling.
**Interviewer:** This individual created fake profiles under your name, harassed your friends, and sent vulgar images. How did you deal with this constant barrage?
**Sean Kernan:** It was a frustrating and draining process.I reported each fake account and tried to block him, but he just kept finding new ways to target me. It felt like playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole.
**Interviewer:** How did this experience impact you emotionally?
**Sean Kernan:**
It was definitely a challenging time. There were sleepless nights spent wondering what could have driven this person to such anger. I questioned my decision to write publicly and considered whether the risks outweighed the rewards.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in your article that you stopped engaging with negative comments. Why was that decision critically important for you?
**Sean Kernan:** I realized that engaging with trolls rarely led to anything productive. It often fueled their negativity and drew more attention to the harassment. I decided to focus my energy on creating and connecting with supportive readers, rather than feeding the negativity.
**Interviewer:**
Your experience highlights a wider problem online: the prevalence of online harassment and its impact on individuals and communities. What advice would you give to other writers or anyone who encounters online harassment?
**Sean Kernan:** Firstly, remember that you’re not alone. Many people experience online harassment, and it’s not your fault. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends,family,or online communities. Secondly, try not to engage with the harasser directly. Document the harassment and report it to the platform you’re using. Thirdly, focus on building a positive online community. Surround yourself with supportive people and engage in constructive discussions. Remember, the
internet can be a wonderful place for connection and creativity, but it’s important to protect yourself and prioritize your well-being.
**Interviewer:**
Thank you, Sean, for sharing your experiences and insights. we hope this conversation helps to raise awareness about online harassment and encourage a more positive and supportive online environment.
This is a great adn insightful piece about online interactions and the negativity that can sometimes arise.
Here are some thoughts and suggestions:
**Strengths:**
* **Personal touch:** The article is incredibly personal and honest, sharing your own experiences with both receiving and perpetrating online negativity. this authenticity resonates deeply with readers.
* **Good use of research:** You seamlessly integrate research findings from Dr. Urbaniak and Dr. Bartlett to add weight to your arguments and illustrate the broader context.
* **Actionable advice:** You don’t just highlight the problem; you offer practical solutions for cultivating empathy and managing anger online.
* **Fantastic flow:** The writing is engaging and easy to follow, with a natural progression of ideas.
**Suggestions for improvement:**
* **Title:** While the current title is descriptive,it could be made more captivating. Consider something like:
* “Trolls and Tears: My Journey through the Dark Side of Online Writing”
* “The Empathy Gap: finding Kindness in the Digital Age”
* “Beyond the Screen: Rediscovering humanity in Online Interactions”
* **Subheadings:** While they are helpful, the subheadings could be more compelling. For instance, instead of “Understanding the Roots of cyberbullying,” try “The Anatomy of an Online Bully.”
* **Call to Action:** The article ends on a strong note, but consider adding a more explicit call to action. Encourage readers to share their experiences, pledge to practice kindness online, or explore resources for dealing with online harassment.
* **Archyde Interview:** The mention of an interview feels abrupt. Either fully integrate it into the piece or remove the reference.
**overall:**
This is a well-written and thought-provoking piece that sheds light on an important issue. With a few minor tweaks, it has the potential to be truly impactful.
