The Ugly Underbelly Of Creating Online ??

Internet trolls are a known presence in online communities. They often target public figures, like celebrities and athletes, with negative and hurtful comments. Social media platforms have introduced various tools and features to address this issue, such as the option to disable comments or restrict who can reply to various posts.?

For a long time, it seemed like one of those "it would never happen to me" moments—one where you see some of the awful things keyboard warriors love to type but feel completely removed from reality—like an outsider looking in. Troll comments never went any deeper than girls' night chatter over the latest celebrity scandals.?

And then, I started an online business.?

I started growing an audience.?

I started influencer marketing, allowing brands to utilize my name, image, and likeness on ads that reach MILLIONS of people across multiple platforms per month.?

And just like that, I became a magnet for the trolls. I was no longer the outsider looking in. I was standing smack in the middle of the social media judgment ring.?

There's no avoiding it. If you want to create online and build an audience large enough to monetize, whether through digital product sales or brand partnerships and sponsorships – the trolls will follow.?

Like moths to a flame.

Like dementors to Harry Potter.

Like Hannibal Lecter to a fresh meal.

Okay, you get the point.?

Here are a few of my favorite random comments I've received lately.?

The honest reality is that you can't escape online criticism and outright rude, trolling comments, just like you can't escape the toxic co-worker or the client who gives you the ick whenever you're in the same vicinity.?

Here is how I remind myself not to get caught in the web of soul-sucking negativity the internet can so graciously weave.?

1. Internet trolls are humanity's bottom barrel. I wouldn't look to any of these accounts for advice on living a better life or growing my business, so why would I let a comment negatively impact me?
2. I am confident in what I do professionally and have been diligent in surrounding myself personally with a solid support system. A negative comment from someone who has seen me on a 40-second video says more about their character than anything about mine. How they perceive me is none of my business. ????
3. And if I want to get really petty with it, I remind myself I'm more than likely making more off this ONE sponsored ad than they make in a paycheck. poof, I'm over it.

I share all of this with you not to deter you from growing and monetizing yourself online but to help prepare you for the moment when the internet inevitably rears its ugly head and sets its sights right on you. There's so much good to be created in this space; do not let the nasty underbelly pull you into the darkness before you can contribute positively.?

As for me, I'm wearing the "Elderly Influencer" dig as a badge of honor. It's even on my Twitter header and in my bio.?

Happy Creating,

Mindy, Elderly Influencer