They didn’t see you, they didn’t know you, they didn’t hit you
There were no scars, no bruises
But they did break you down.
Leaving you traumatized for life
with internal pain, self doubt and sleepless nights

The Toxic Cycle – Scroll, Judge, Repeat

What is the first thing you do when you wake up? Check your phone? Or see how many likes or comments your post got?
This is the cycle of “scroll, judge and repeat”. People do for yours and you do for others. Nowadays the day starts with sunrise selfies, gym check-ins or what I had for breakfast. We all are running behind being “effortless” or “showing” that we are effortless. But what’s behind all those perfect smiles, selfies and positivity?
Self doubt, low self esteem, anxiety and insomnia. We start questioning our lives before we even brush our teeths. Why am I not this successful, why can’t I look like that?
This all creates a sense of self doubt, emotional chaos and insecurities.

The Hunt for Validation

VALIDATION. Nowadays this is what need the most. What do we do?

We post and then wait for likes and comments. Our self esteem now depends on these. Now these have started defining us. We all need to be validated.

When the Comment Section Becomes a Warzone.

And between all these comments or dms you may find a dm or a comment that can shake you to the core. One random day a stranger decides to tell you that you are not good enough.
You don’t know him nor does he know you but suddenly starts to control your life,  you start thinking, maybe if I dress differently, or speak less or post less.

Cyberbullying does not knock on your door it enters through dms and comment sections and destroys silently. These wounds are not visible but they bleed deep through anxiety, insomnia and panic attacks.

The Power of Anonymity and the Pain it Spreads.

Who gave you the power to make such harsh comments on someone? The hidden profile? Or the fake name? And what is the reason behind these comments?

Some say that they do it out of their own frustration. Just because they don’t have guts to speak up for themselves in real life they choose hidden profiles to take out their frustration on others. They don’t even realise that the people on the other sides of the screens are also human.
And do you know what’s ironic? That these all are considered normal. Cyberbullying is considered normal.
But we have to understand that if it’s “common” it’s definitely not normal.
It is the trauma without recognition that leads to emotional shutdown, social withdrawal, trust issues and even suicidal thoughts.

Understanding the Social Narrative and Solving it

Understand that You Are More Than a Profile

We have to understand “we are more than just a comment box or an Instagram post”. If you have ever been cyberbullied, silenced or have judged yourself by seeing a random post “you don’t deserve it”.

You are more than a profile, you are a Person with a voice, values and a person who has the right to be safe.

Changing the Narrative –  Don’t Just Scroll down, Stand Up.

We need to change the narrative.

“Don’t just scroll down, stand up.”

Our empathy should not be lost behind the screens. Scrolling just for entertainment and laughing seeing harsh comments on others also makes us the culprits.
We have to call it out. Reporting the accounts should be done.
Our anonymity should not give us an opportunity to make someone feel low.

Stop the Chain – Be the Difference.

We have to “stop the chain” – terminate the flow. Stop sharing memes that spread negativity for someone. You don’t know what that person might be going through.

Who knows, maybe you breaking the chain can make all the difference. And also, if someone is going through all this or self-doubting himself we should check in to ask if he is fine and let them know that they are way more than this.
The internet doesn’t need more critics, it needs more carers. And remember if it’s getting way too much, consider taking a break.

A Filter for Humanity – That’s What We Really Need

We keep talking about the filters, a nice pos,  but the main thing we need is a “filter for humanity”.
A filter that stops hate being posted and that reminds that there are people behind the screen, someone just like us.

We don’t have to be just kind but “conscious” that maybe our words can hurt someone and can lead to someone’s sleepless night.
Be that Filter. Stop the cycle of “scroll, judge and repeat”.