Behind The Screen 

How often have you scrolled through the comments, only to face hurtful remarks and cyberbullying? In the digital world of social media, comments act as digital footprints, leaving long-lasting impressions on the minds and feelings of users. The power of words used in the comment section of social media sites should not be underestimated, as they can shape, distort, and deeply affect the identities and mental well-being of teenagers and young adults. The comment section of social media platforms can influence the formation and perception of identities, especially among teens and young adults. Social media comments can really affect how we see ourselves. When someone says something mean in person, it can sting for a bit. But when it’s written online for everyone to see, it sticks around longer and can make us feel even worse about ourselves, especially if others agree with it. It’s like the negativity is on repeat, constantly reminding us of those hurtful words. This can take a toll on our confidence and self-esteem, shaping how we view ourselves and our place in the world. Therefore, let’s explore the complexities of online comments, the mentality behind leaving such comments, and discovering their harmful impact on how people/teenagers see themselves and react to them.  

The comments sections of social media have turned into places where online bullying happens a lot, which has made some companies and organizations think about getting rid of comments completely to stop this. Those that get cyberbullied have also decided to use the option of turning off their comment section to avoid such harassment. We need to think about what causes this in the first place. Who are the people who leave these mean comments, and what makes them act that way? One of the reasons is anonymity and the other is dehumanization. Being anonymous online makes people feel like they can say things they wouldn’t say face-to-face. As Arlin Cuncic, author of the article “Mental Health Effects of Reading Negative Comments Online” states “The anonymity of the comment section means that nobody feels accountable for what they say. People may become militant simply because there are no checks and balances as there are in real life.” (Cuncic, 2022.) Without worrying about getting in trouble, people might say mean things without thinking about how it hurts others. This leads to more and more negative comments and arguments online. This information is also supported by the following statistics in the article of Cuncic “Sites where anonymity is more preserved will tend to have more negative comments. For example, researchers found the highest number of rude comments and insults on YouTube.” (Cuncic, 2022.) Not only anonymity but the concept of dehumanization is another reason for such negative comments. A lack of face-to-face connection makes it harder to feel empathy or think about how our words might hurt someone else. This absence of empathy makes the impact of hurtful comments even worse, fueling more conflict online. Cuncic reminds the audience that “Instead of perceiving each other as a person at the other end of the computer, we imagine we are commenting into the void. We can’t see the effect of our words on the person at the other end, we may not choose our language as carefully as we do in person, and any tendency toward aggression has no reason to be placed in check.” (Cuncic, 2022.)

When we don’t see the person behind the screen and only see them as digital figures, it’s easier to distance ourselves from the effect of our words. As the quote says, comment sections often become battlegrounds because we forget about the humanity of those we’re talking to. Instead of seeing them as people with feelings, thoughts, and experiences, we see them as just usernames or avatars. This feeling of being anonymous allows us to speak our minds without thinking about the outcomes. Without real-world signals and responsibility, we might ignore that others are human, treating them as subjects for debate or targets for our opinions rather than fellow humans. This anonymity and dehumanization not only encourages more negative comments but also continues a cycle of anger and conflict online. Furthermore, the depersonalization of online conversations can make us less sensitive to how our words affect others. When we don’t see the immediate emotional reactions of those we’re talking to, it’s easier to ignore or downplay the harm caused by our comments. Hence, the mentality of leaving such hurtful comments online is caused by the anonymity and dehumanization that social media platforms provide us with. Teenagers are the most affected by the widespread of online bullying in social media comment sections because it directly affects their online experiences and mental well-being. Teenagers can actively help make social media a safer space by coming together and understanding the importance of empathy and accountability in their online interactions. By treating others with kindness and respect, even when anonymous, they can help break the cycle of anger and conflict fueled by anonymity and dehumanization. Encouraging open discussions about online behavior can help teens make the internet a nicer and more welcoming place for everyone.

The impact of mean comments on social media can really hurt people’s feelings and make them feel bad about themselves to the point where self harm may seem like a good option to them. This is very impactful portrayed by the short film “Words Hurt”. This silent short film on YouTube powerfully illustrates the harmful impact of negative social media comments, especially on young people. The story starts off with a young woman sharing a natural photo of herself, without makeup or filters, on her social media profile. Initially receiving likes but few comments, the situation takes a troubling turn as critical remarks about her appearance start pouring in. Feeling deeply embarrassed, she decides to delete the photo to avoid further scrutiny. In an attempt to boost her confidence, she takes another photo, this time with makeup and filters, changing her appearance to fit society’s beauty standards. However, despite her efforts to protect herself from criticism, the flood of hurtful comments continues and gets worse. Cruel judgments about her looks and even suggestions of self-harm become overwhelming. Sadly, the relentless stream of negativity eventually becomes too much to bear, leading to a tragic outcome as she gives in to the hurtful comments and takes her own life. The film ends with a chilling statistic: “4,500 people commit suicide every year due to cyberbullying, making suicide the number 2 leading cause of death among teens” (Vucetich, 5:13). An important theme highlighted in this film is the desire for approval from others online and the extreme lengths individuals, more specifically teens are willing to go to obtain it. This need for approval arises from a deeply ingrained societal pressure to meet unrealistic standards of beauty and perfection promoted by social media platforms. In today’s digital era, people often measure their value based on the number of likes, comments, and followers they receive, seeking approval from virtual strangers who have no genuine concern for their well-being.

The relentless pursuit of approval leads individuals to carefully manage their online identities, presenting a tailored image that conforms to societal norms. Despite the inherent emptiness of seeking approval from online strangers, many individuals continue to prioritize external validation over developing a strong sense of self-worth and authenticity. This highlights the significant impact of social media on shaping perceptions of self-esteem and emphasizes the importance of cultivating authentic human connections and self-acceptance outside of the digital world. When the main character commits suicide at the end of the film , it’s an important reminder of how necessary it is to be kind online and support each other instead of bringing each other down. This film highlights the alarming statistic that thousands of people, including teenagers, die by suicide each year due to cyberbullying. It’s crucial for them to realize that their mental well-being should not be dependent on external validation or online approval. Instead, they should focus on nurturing authentic relationships and accepting themselves for who they are, both online and offline. This awareness can help them navigate the pressures of social media and prioritize their mental health in a digital world where self-worth is often measured by online metrics. 

There are many teens who don’t have a pleasant experience on social media due to the comments they receive. These experiences were compiled together in a documentary by PTHS News where many teens anonymously shared their social media experience and how it scared them. A young girl shares “Social media has given me lots of run-in instances with people who are, some would say brutally honest but I think the correct word is just mean. I’ve come across a lot of people who have made me feel like I’m not worth a dime … it’s given me lots of self-image issues … body issues and really just set me into deep depression.” (PTHS News, 2023). The harmful effects of hurtful comments on mental health are significant. When people face a constant stream of negativity, whether through direct insults or subtle criticisms, it can deeply affect them. As seen in the stories, those who experience such toxic behavior often deal with many negative consequences. Feeling less confident in themselves is a common result, as people start to believe the negative things said about them, questioning their own value and abilities. Each hurtful comment adds to their uncertainty, planting seeds of doubt that grow over time. In severe cases, the continuous criticism can lead to depression, stealing away happiness and optimism. Additionally, these mean comments can make existing insecurities and body image issues worse. Social media platforms, with their focus on carefully selected images and impossible beauty standards, encourage comparisons and self-criticism. Every negative remark about appearance or weight reinforces the idea that someone’s value depends on how they look, making them feel inadequate and unworthy. Overall, toxic comments not only cause immediate harm but also have a lasting impact on how people see themselves, continuing a cycle of self-doubt and self-criticism that’s hard to break. The harmful impact of toxic comments on social media can escalate beyond mere insults about appearance to include outright threats.  Another girl shares “I’ve had people threaten me before … people say just horrific things that they would do to me and I think it has just increased my anxiety over the years”  (PTHS News, 2023). These outright threats create a climate of fear and anxiety for those targeted. As this girl bravely shared in the documentary, the experience of receiving threatening messages can be deeply distressing, leaving lasting psychological scars. The anonymity afforded by online platforms can make people feel brave to say really scary things without getting in trouble, knowing they might never get punished. For the person being targeted, each threat reminds them of the dangers on the internet, making them feel very worried and vulnerable. As time goes on, getting lots of these scary messages can really hurt a person’s mental health, making their existing anxiety worse and possibly causing a lot of fear. The fear of being physically hurt or having their personal space invaded can affect every part of the victim’s life, making them feel less safe. This displays how serious online threats are and we urgently need to find ways to stop this behavior and keep teens safe on the internet. Teenagers themselves have the ability to make social media a better and safer space for everyone by fostering a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect online. By actively challenging negative behavior, speaking out against cyberbullying, and supporting those targeted by hurtful comments, teenagers can create a more positive and inclusive online community. It’s vital for teenagers to understand their role in promoting a culture of positivity and understanding online, where everyone feels valued and accepted for who they are.

The widespread culture of commenting on social media platforms reveals a troubling truth; a reality where words, once let loose online, can cause deeper harm than physical wounds. Through articles, short videos, and documentaries, we witness the harmful nature of negative online comments as they enter the minds of unsuspecting users, leaving behind feelings of self-doubt and sadness. Arlin Cuncic’s insightful look into the psychology of online comments uncovers the reasons behind such behavior, while the sad story of the young woman in the short video shows the terrible results of uncontrolled cyberbullying. As shown by the emotional stories in the documentary, the impact of social media comments on mental health cannot be ignored. Some people who leave negative comments only do it to make others feel bad, and they enjoy causing trouble. Fixing the problem of mean comments online needs a lot of different things to happen. It’s crucial that we tackle this issue directly, creating a digital world where kindness, understanding, and respect are valued above all. Let’s respond to this challenge together, standing against online negativity and advocating for a more caring and supportive online community. We need to teach people how to use the internet in a kinder way and think about how others feel. Also, websites need to have rules about what people can say in the comments and stop people from being mean. Teenagers have the power to make social media safer and more positive. By promoting kindness, empathy, and respect online, they can combat negative behavior like cyberbullying and support those targeted by hurtful comments. Understanding the impact of online bullying on mental health is crucial, as it tragically affects thousands of people each year. Teenagers should prioritize authentic relationships and self-acceptance, both online and offline. With this awareness, they can navigate social media challenges and prioritize mental well-being. Encouraging open discussions about online behavior is essential for creating a welcoming online community.

Annotated Bibliography 

Cuncic, Arlin. “Mental Health Effects of Reading Negative Comments Online.”

  VeryWellMind, 22, Nov. 2022. In her concise article, Arlin Cuncic with a background in clinical psychology, through her writing, wants to raise awareness about Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) . In an attempt to do that she picks many topics/issues that may cause SAD and writes about them one by one and gives advice on how to fix them. Hence in this article she dives into the nature of negative online comments, highlighting their varying degrees of toxicity. She examines the motivations driving individuals to write such comments and the mentality behind their actions. Furthermore, Cuncic talks about the profound impact these comments have on their targets or readers, supported by specific statistics. Importantly, she extends advice to those who engage in leaving negative comments, offering practical strategies to decrease such behavior and recommends them to leave positive comments instead. Using real evidence, she shows how serious the problem is and why we need to act fast. Instead of just pointing out the problem, Cuncic gives helpful advice to people who often leave mean comments. She suggests ways they can change their behavior to make online spaces better for everyone. Her intended audience was not just limited to one specific group but it was for everyone who has any social media, because he covered those who make such comments, how to stop them, and those who feel they are the victim of such arguments. She had something/information for everyone. 

“Words Hurt.” YouTube, uploaded by Olenka Vucetich, 12, Oct. 2020,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXdVPLj_pIk . This short film tells the story of a young woman who decides to share her life on social media by posting pictures of herself. At first, she appears happy in her photos, but as time goes on, the atmosphere on her social media becomes negative and toxic. Hurtful remarks about her appearance start to surface, and with each new picture she posts, she feels pressured to look even better than before. Despite her efforts, the negative comments persist and even intensify, providing fuel for more hurtful remarks. Eventually, the situation becomes unbearable, with some people going so far as to suggest that she unalive herself. Such comments take a heavy toll on her mind and she ends up committing suicide. This film shows some statistics as well : 4,500 people commit suicide every year due to cyber bullying, making suicide the number 2 leading cause of death amoung teens. Through this narrative, the film sheds light on the damaging effects of online negativity and the toll it can take on one’s mental health. This story shows how social media comments can really hurt people’s feelings and make them feel bad about themselves. It starts with harmless sharing of one’s life on social media but can quickly spiral into a toxic environment that can be too hard to handle. The relentless pressure to maintain a certain image and the constant comparison to others contribute to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Despite the young woman’s efforts to combat the negativity, the comments persist and escalate, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. It’s a sad reminder of how important it is to be kind online and support each other instead of bringing each other down.

“Social Media Awareness” YouTube, uploaded by PTHS NEWS 23, Mar .2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-eXfPDhzMk . This documentary shares sad stories from teens who talk about their experiences with social media without revealing their identities. They all have something in common: they’ve faced hurtful comments on their posts, which made them feel really upset. To try to stop the negativity, many of them started editing their photos to look like popular influencers online. But even after all the editing, the mean comments didn’t stop; they just got worse. Some of the teens realized it wasn’t worth trying to impress strangers online, but others felt really pressured and did extreme things to feel better. Some got plastic surgery, while others hurt themselves because they couldn’t handle the constant criticism on social media. This documentary shows many negative impacts of social media on the mental health of varying teenagers. It reveals that many teens face hurtful comments on their social media posts, leading to feelings of sadness and distress.It also talks about how trying to get approval from strangers online and feeling pressured to look a certain way can make things worse. Additionally, it highlights the extreme measures some teens take, such as under