# Navigating Hostility in Online Comments: A Personal Approach
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Chapter 1: Confronting Hostile Comments
This morning, I woke up to find one of my articles under siege by an individual who decided to flood the comments section with the same message multiple times. The comment read: "This individual replies to comments and subsequently blocks the author to prevent them from responding!"
In response, I simply said, "Goodbye!" and proceeded to block and report the user. Almost immediately, all twenty of those comments vanished from my post. As I sipped my coffee and gazed out the window, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
This incident reflects a broader trend. Given the size of my platform, I often encounter various forms of online harassment. Observing the evolving strategies of these interactions can be quite enlightening. Recently, I dealt with a user whose comment was not only a barrage of insults but also riddled with homophobic slurs. This time, I opted to report and block the account, and later that day, I was pleased to see a clean slate of comments marked "unknown user" with all offending remarks deleted.
The irony is that these comments likely came from a real person. In my recent writings, I’ve explored the intersection of genuine human interaction and the automated responses that plague online discourse. I have long suspected that many of the negative comments I receive feel robotic—something about them just doesn’t seem human. In reality, it seems only actual humans are reckless enough to include words that risk getting them banned.
The challenge lies in staying ahead of the deceptive accounts that seek to undermine, harass, and silence genuine writers. I anticipate discussing new tactics that have been deployed against me in the weeks to come. Staying alert is essential.
Section 1.1: The Challenge of Online Harassment
Unfortunately, I occasionally receive threats. If I allowed myself to be swayed by every angry rant I encounter online, I would be overwhelmed and unproductive. That path leads to a multitude of negative outcomes.
Instead, I adopt a "Let me stop you right there" mentality. Over time, I’ve developed an instinctive response to comments that are bound to be detrimental. Curiosity and masochism no longer drive me to engage with remarks that are predictably hurtful.
It’s unfortunate that some individuals, unaware of the realities of modern online writing, may be offended by my perspectives. On occasion, I receive lengthy and insulting messages that sound as though they were generated by AI. Regardless of their origin, I simply hit the block button and return to my work—an approach I recommend to all writers.
Subsection 1.1.1: Understanding Comment Deletion
Section 1.2: The Misconception of Censorship
It’s amusing how upset individuals get when their comments are deleted. Rarely do I encounter someone who acknowledges their comment was inappropriate. Most often, people respond with outrage, claiming, "How could you delete my comment? You must not care about free speech!"
It’s amusing how these arguments escalate to accusations of fascism and authoritarianism, as if deleting a comment suddenly turns someone into a dictator. Many of my harassers create new accounts, forcing me to block them as well.
The assertion that deleting comments constitutes "censorship" is absurd. In reality, it’s more akin to addressing vandalism. It’s like turning off the radio when a song you dislike plays repeatedly; that’s not censorship, just a natural reaction.
Comments filled with negativity are free to exist elsewhere; they simply don’t have the right to attach themselves to my work. If their thoughts are worth sharing, they should create their own content rather than attempting to ride on my coattails. After all, I have spent years cultivating my audience.
Chapter 2: Prioritizing Mental Health
Section 2.1: The Obligation to Endure
Writers should know they are not obligated to endure abuse. Deleting comments doesn’t equate to creating an "echo chamber" of like-minded individuals. Such claims are often attempts to coerce writers into accepting unproductive critiques.
My decision to block individuals stems from violent threats, insults directed at my family, or sheer arrogance. I’ve developed a keen sense for spotting trouble in comments. Whether it’s the absence of a profile picture or an account with just one follower, I can often identify a harmful comment before it fully unfolds.
I sift through numerous comments daily across various platforms. The repetitive nature of these interactions sharpens my response time. Typically, I just hit "block," but lately, I’ve been opting for "report and block" for better outcomes.
User deleted. User deleted. User deleted.
Section 2.2: The Evolution of Blocking
Yes, I likely block individuals who may not deserve it. My approach is decidedly unscientific. I operate on instinct, thinking, "Reading this further might harm my mental health. Farewell!"
In life, I often find myself at odds with those who are either too different or too similar to me. Sometimes, I reject others because they reflect flaws I refuse to acknowledge in myself. I’ve never claimed to be infallible; I am aware of my own imperfections, but my overall strategy remains sound.
The Relationship Between Comments and Focus
When starting out in poker, the desperation to see the other player's cards can lead to poor decisions. The goal is to reach a point where you genuinely do not care what the other player holds. Your focus should solely be on your own hand.
The other player can even be a robot. Surrendering your power to curiosity about others undermines your decision-making. Make bets based on what is best for you, regardless of the cards in another player’s hand. Sometimes you will win; sometimes you will lose, but a commitment to your strategy will yield positive results over time.
Writing mirrors this process. Don’t feel obligated to engage with nonsensical or possibly AI-generated comments. If you fold simply because you believe a call is incorrect, and later discover it was, this can erode your confidence in a solid strategy. Once you decide based on rational judgment, don’t second-guess yourself.
Avoid situations that reinforce flawed belief systems. In competitive environments, remember that others may provide information to harm you!
Section 2.3: The Threat of AI in Online Spaces
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but AI lacks a soul and seeks to take ours. It will reach through our screens, leading to discomfort.
If a comment disturbs you, and you feel compelled to respond, keep it simple: just say "bye" and block the user. This approach is akin to the trench run in Star Wars—execute your plan and retreat.
I understand that sometimes, you may unintentionally block genuine individuals who are simply lost. It’s crucial for society to recognize that indifference is still a stance.
Responding to hostility and then blocking the individual is like poking a hornet's nest; it will anger real humans while AI remains unaffected. I believe that an upset person might be more likely to reconsider their behavior, but as always, I acknowledge my own fallibility.