Not everyone on your social media is your fan or admirer, let’s just put this out there. And often online hate and criticism can befall mercilessly and unexpectedly. While some of us have encountered trolls and had the bitter taste of unfair, out-of-line comments, but trust us when we say it, it’s worse for people who bask in social limelight. Sure, fame, money and stardom is the stuff of dreams to most. But what are the possible repercussions of living in the constant glare of public eye as a celebrity or an influencer? If you scroll down some of the comments on any celebrity’s social account, you will be outraged to find that every nine out of twelve comments are hateful – aimed at bashing their wardrobe choices, lifestyle or even their family or friends. MAG reached out to celebrities who have been subjected to online hate time and time again and find out how they deal with it.

TIP#1

Do not try and read all the negativity

Stay away from it. Days when I read the abusive comments, really upset me. The comments might not make me feel insecure, but it is very saddening. So, stop reading the negativity. Look for the positive things. That’s tip number one!

TIP#2 Limit your time online

Try spending time away from your phone. I went to Birmingham recently and there were no phones. When I go up to the mountains or travel to a place where there are no signals and you breakaway from social media, you realise you are much more at peace. There is so much more to do. Time online on social media should be very limited, and it’s very easy to get sucked in and spend, or waste a lot of your precious time but try to use yours constructively.

TIP#3 Surround yourself with positivity

Travel, travel, travel – whenever you get the time! And surround yourself with positive people. Make your core strong and then nothing will affect you.

“Trolls hide behind the screens,” – Mansha Pasha

“It’s easy to hate from behind a screen that renders you faceless and often nameless,” says Mansha, referring to defunct and fake accounts which leave a trail of hateful comments under posts. “But people underestimate the effect of their words and the mental anguish it can give celebrities who are human beings as well and not immune to self-doubt, anxiety and panic attacks.”

“The audience should have greater tolerance and acceptance of what one posts online,” – Sabeeka Imam

On social media, some celebs fall prey to online judgement while some purposely ask for it. What is your say on it?

“A lot has happened over the past few years through campaigns and people's reactions to online negativity so I think there is a lot more awareness about social media etiquettes and I do feel that things have improved,” says the supermodel. “Everyone is responsible for the content they put out so they should be smart when they do share, but at the same time the audience should have greater tolerance and acceptance and not be so invested in someone’s life that their content starts to bother you. I try my best to focus on the positive support I get and only give glimpses of my life that I feel comfortable with. I like an element of privacy but I understand that our fans and followers enjoy keeping up-to-date so I regularly indulge them with content that I am comfortable sharing. I am very blessed to have such great followers and rarely have any complaints regarding my social media.”