How do you handle haters with confidence?

What are the best ways to deal with bashers? Have you ever received a nasty comment, a rude message, or a hateful review online? If so, you’re not alone. Many people face online harassment and bullying, especially if they have a public presence on social media, blogs, podcasts, or YouTube. It can be hurtful, frustrating, and demoralizing to deal with haters and online bashers who seem to have nothing better to do than tear you down. But don’t let them get to you. The good news is you have the power to handle haters and online bashers with grace and confidence. 

Why do haters and online bashers exist?

Before we dive into how to handle haters and online bashers, let’s try to understand why they exist in the first place. What motivates them to be so mean and hateful online? There are many possible reasons, but below are some of the most common ones:

• Bashers are insecure and unhappy with themselves. Undoubtedly, they project their insecurities and frustrations onto others who seem to have what they lack, such as success, popularity, talent, or happiness. In addition, they try to make themselves feel better by making others feel worse.
• They are jealous of others. Furthermore, they can’t stand seeing others achieve their goals, pursue their passions, or enjoy their lives. Also, they feel threatened by others’ success and happiness and try to sabotage it by spreading negativity and criticism.
• Haters are bored and attention-seeking. Unquestionably, they have nothing meaningful or productive to do with their time, so they resort to trolling and bashing others online for fun or attention. Also, they enjoy provoking reactions and causing drama, and they don’t care about the consequences or the feelings of others.
• They are ignorant and misinformed. They need more knowledge or understanding of the topics or issues they comment on and act like experts or authorities. Additionally, they make false or inaccurate claims, spread misinformation or rumors, or twist facts to suit their agenda.
• Bashers/ haters are hateful and intolerant. They have prejudices or biases against sexuality or other characteristics. They use online platforms to express their hatred and intolerance and to harass or bully others who are different from them.

Of course, not all haters and online bashers fall into these categories. Some may have legitimate reasons or constructive feedback for criticizing others online. However, there is a difference between constructive criticism and destructive bashing. Constructive criticism is respectful, helpful, and specific. Bashing is rude, harmful, and vague. The key is to learn how to distinguish between constructive criticism and destructive bashing and how to respond accordingly.

How to handle constructive criticism?

Constructive criticism can be a valuable source of feedback and improvement for anyone who wants to grow and learn from their mistakes. 

• Be open-minded and humble. Don’t take constructive criticism personally or defensively. Instead, try to see it as an opportunity to learn something new or improve your skills or performance. Remember that no one is perfect. Also, remember that everyone has room for improvement.
• Listen carefully and respectfully. Never interrupt or argue with the person giving you constructive criticism. Instead, listen attentively and respectfully to what they have to say. Importantly, try to understand their perspective and their intentions. Also, ask questions if you need clarification or examples.
• Thank them for their feedback. Even if you don’t agree with everything they say, thank them for taking the time and effort to give you constructive criticism. Additionally, express your appreciation for their honesty and helpfulness.
• Evaluate their feedback objectively. In like manner, consider the source, context, evidence, and relevance of their feedback. Decide what is valid and what is not.
• Take action based on their feedback. Similarly, remember their input. Instead, take action based on it. Implement the changes or improvements you agree with or make sense for you. Monitor your progress and results. Seek more feedback if necessary.

How to handle destructive bashing?

Destructive bashing can be a source of stress and anxiety for anyone who has to deal with it online. It can affect your self-esteem, your mood, and your productivity. However, you don’t have to let it ruin your day. Below are some tips on how to handle bashing:

• Ignore them and don’t engage. Save your time and energy on haters and online bashers. There’s nothing positive or constructive to say. Never reply to their comments or messages. Also, never argue, and don’t try to reason with them. In like manner, ignore them and don’t give them the attention or the satisfaction they crave. Most of them will get bored and move on if you don’t engage with them.
• Block or report them if necessary. However, you can block or report them if ignoring them doesn’t work or if they cross the line with their bashing. Most online platforms have tools or features that allow you to block users who violate their terms of service or community guidelines. Without a doubt, it will prevent them from contacting you or seeing your content. You can also report them to the authorities if they threaten or harass you offline.
• Focus on the positive and the supportive. Similarly, don’t let the haters and online bashers overshadow the positive and supportive people in your online community. Focus on the people who appreciate, support, encourage, and inspire you. In addition, read their comments and messages, reply, thank them, and interact with them. Also, build relationships with them and nurture your online network.
• Learn from the experience and grow from it. Don’t let the haters and online bashers discourage you or stop you from pursuing your goals and passions. Instead, learn from the experience and grow from it. Moreover, use it as a motivation to prove them wrong, improve yourself, and achieve more. Importantly, use it as a challenge to overcome your fears, develop your resilience, and strengthen your character.
• Seek help if you need it. On the other hand, if the haters and online bashers affect your mental health or well-being, don’t hesitate to seek help. Indeed, talk to someone you can trust, like your mom or a family member, a best friend, or a counselor. They can show you emotional aid, helpful suggestions, or professional guidance. You don’t have to deal with this alone.

Real-life examples of handling haters and online bashers

Many people have faced haters and online bashers in their online journeys, but they have also handled them with grace and confidence. Below are some real-life examples of how they did it:

• Taylor Swift is a famous singer-songwriter who has faced many haters and online bashers throughout her career. She has been criticized for her music, relationships, appearance, personality, etc. However, she has also used her music to respond to her haters and online bashers. She has written songs such as “Mean,” “Shake It Off,” “Look What You Made Me Do,” and “You Need To Calm Down” that address her haters and online bashers in an empowering way. Also, she has used her platform to spread positivity and kindness to her fans and supporters.

• Gary Vaynerchuk is a famous entrepreneur, author, speaker, and internet personality who has faced many haters and online bashers in his online ventures. He has been criticized for his opinions, style, content, success, etc. However, he has also used his platform to respond to haters and online bashers. He has created videos such as “The Ultimate Advice For Every 20 Years”, “The Truth About Your Boring Life,” and “How To Deal With Haters” that address his haters and online bashers bluntly and honestly. In addition, he has used his content to educate and inspire his followers and fans.

• Lilly Singh is a famous comedian, actress, writer, producer, and YouTube star who has faced many haters and online bashers in her online career. She has been criticized for her humor, identity, choices, achievements, etc. As a result, she has created videos such as “How To Respond To Haters,” “How To Make A Sandwich,” and “A Geography Class For Racist People” that address her haters and online bashers funnily and sarcastically. Additionally, she has used humor to promote diversity and inclusion in her industry.

As Bernard M. Baruch said, “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” You have the power to handle haters and online bashers with grace and confidence. Furthermore, you don’t have to let them affect your self-esteem, mood, or productivity. Instead, you can use their negativity as fuel for your positivity, as a motivation for your improvement, and as a challenge for your growth. In the same way, you can surround yourself with positive, supportive people who appreciate and inspire you. Remember that you are not alone in this online journey, and you have a lot to offer!

Now it’s your turn. What are the best ways to deal with bashers? What strategies or tips do you use? Together, we can make the online world a better place for everyone. Thank you for reading, and see you at the next one!