Trolls, Haters, and Harsh Criticism
How to Rise Above
Today’s world seems to have a surplus of trolls, haters, and harsh criticism. Everywhere you turn, someone is there to judge and criticize. USA Today reports that among students, cyber-bullying has risen from 11.5% in 2015 to 15.3% in 2017. Those are just the reported instances. Being that we are now hugely a cyber-society, that could play a big role in many artists having the courage to show their artwork or not.
Experience has taught me that the good always outweighs the bad. There are always more people out there who will offer a kind or encouraging word for you and your efforts. But for some reason, the occasional jab from trolls and haters can sting so deeply that it often outweighs all the good. So, what can you do?
It’s important to remember…
Trolls and haters usually operate from a place of ignorance. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright: STUDIO GRAND WEB)
First and foremost, trolls, haters, and harsh criticism generally come from a place of ignorance. Comments from trolls and haters are obviously uneducated. If asked to explain why they don’t like your work, they are unable to elaborate. Anybody educated in art would be able to knowledgeably express themselves. Trolls and haters will usually just insist that “it sucks.”
Think about it this way…would you listen to a hater who’s trying to discourage your weight loss efforts and tells you what a loser you are when they need to get their own weight under control? Or would you listen to the guy telling you what an idiot you are for flossing every day when they’re missing a bunch of their own teeth?
No, of course not. Or at least, you shouldn’t.
Secondly, keep in mind that anyone who seems to spend more time criticizing than anything else, is usually a miserable person. Many people who are perpetually unhappy criticize others to in an attempt to bring them down to their level. Keep in mind that the saying goes, “misery loves company.”
Trolls and haters usually have nothing better to do. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright : Sergejs Rahunoks)
Finally, trolls and haters usually have nothing better to do. To paraphrase the biblical saying, idle hands are the devil’s workshop. People who have nothing better to do will occupy their time with more time-wasting activities like trolling and hating on people who are actually being productive. This ties back to the misery loves company thing. You’re actually doing something productive and they aren’t. And they know on some level that their lack of productivity puts them on the loser level. Criticizing you is their attempt to bring you down to their level.
So how do you rise above the trolls, haters, and harsh criticism?
Primarily, remember that it stems from ignorance, misery, and a lack of anything better to do. My suggestion would be to ignore them. It’s hard for them to carry on when you don’t respond or acknowledge them. If you choose to engage, do so with caution. I’d advise against it. But I’ll admit to having done it before, just for fun. I turn it around on them and ask questions as though they were an expert. I’ll ask them for advice, making sure I use art terms, which I know they haven’t the slightest clue about. I’ve also asked to see an example of their work so I can see how it should be done. Not surprisingly, they don’t respond. It’s amusing, but in doing so, I’ve wasted some of my time.
Remember that experienced artists will not tear you down.
They usually won’t even offer advice unless you ask for it. Nothing screams amateur more than unsolicited advice. If you ask for advice, an experienced artist will offer constructive criticism. In other words, they will tell you where your work is lacking, but they will also offer advice on how to improve.
If you’re a beginner posting your work on social media…
With the right tactics, you can rise above trolls, haters, and harsh criticism. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright : Russell Ensley)
You can beat trolls and haters to the punch by stating that you’re just starting off with whatever it is you’re doing. State from the beginning that you realize there’s much room for improvement and are open for suggestions. Having already admitted that your work isn’t a masterpiece takes the fire out of any troll’s comment. What you’re left with are comments from actual experienced artists who have something useful to say.
It’s all about being the adult.
People the world over seem to have forgotten mama’s admonition, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” So, if some childish, miserable troll tries to bring you down with an unkind word, be the adult and ignore them. Under no circumstances should you respond with harsh words of your own. By doing so, you’ve given the troll exactly what they want. If you engage, you need to do so with caution in order to beat them at their own game, as I explained above. It’s usually best to just ignore them. Your time is too valuable to waste on negativity. However, if you still manage to unearth a troll or two and are unable to shut them down politely, make use of the block features. The power is always in your hands!
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