Virtual vultures on the rise!

From fake accounts to hateful slurs and even death threats, the toxicity in social media began from the word go. The lockdowns and quarantine necessitated by the pandemic further fuelled online rage, and the problem is now both pervasive and growing, say experts. Online abuse can affect mental health. We talk to mental health experts and famous personalities about this issue, and how to avoid the negativity.

One of the reasons why some people take to social media platforms to abuse others is personality disorder. Psychologist Dr Mini Rao says, “We have seen personality disorders in those who bring toxicity to online platforms, especially Histrionic Personality Disorder or HPD. They carry unstable emotions, a distorted mindset, and an overwhelming desire to be noticed. They often behave dramatically or inappropriately to get attention. If they see something that they cannot agree with or dislike, they lash out at people even though others are watching,” she says.

Pointing out that disagreements can always be discussed in private, but not in public domain, and especially not in a rude or unhealthy manner, she says, “the sad thing is, people who use harsh words are putting others in mental trauma. I come across a lot of people these days who suffer online bullying. I stress that there’s a calm, relaxed option to sort out things.”

She also cautions that “It’s always good to make sure who your online friend and follower is.”

Actor and politician Kushboo says, “We call them social platforms but there's no social wellness about them sometimes. Some people make use of the anonymity that these platforms offer to troll and abuse people. One cannot expect Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to regulate the number of fake accounts that are created for abusing others. The more people log in, the more revenue for them.

The best way is to make sure you are in contact with good people. Just do good things and move on. If anyone can regulate this toxicity, it is you.”

“In today’s world, many of us rely on social media to find and connect,” notes Dr. Aishwarya Selvaraj, an Instagram influencer and founder and chief consultant of Skin Envy, a skin clinic. “While it is beneficial, it is important to remember that it can never be a replacement for real-world human connection. In-person contact is needed to alleviate stress and make you feel good. Ironically, technology that is designed to bring people closer is causing feelings of loneliness and isolation due to excessive use,” she says.

“I have come across people complaining about issues like feeling inadequate about their lives and their looks, about their fear of missing out, isolation, and cyberbullying, after spending more time online than with someone in person,” she points out.

“Social media has become a need or a social pressure for lot of people who want to showcase or Portray a different picture of their life which isn’t true. And when people who follow them feel they are less deprived and are willing to take so much more pressure on themselves to achieve what’s not true! This creates a strong mental social pressure,” says Kavitha Pandian, film producer and entrepreneur.

Dr. Monisha Aravind, an aesthetic dermatologist, feels “Online bullying forces a lot of people to change themselves as they are named and shamed online about their character or how they look. People are afraid to be raw or who they are and eventually decide to ‘correct’ themselves.”

Giving an example, she says, “I have come across many people wanting to get a glass glow skin. But in reality, there’s no such thing. So, when they don’t get it, they end up staying at home or stop posting their photos online.”

She calls for measures to control toxic people who take away from others’ personalities by projecting that they are not perfect.