If used correctly, social media is a great tool to use, whether it be to build community, grow your business, or find a community that shares your best interests. But what if there is a community of people online who thrive on the gossip of others? How do you deal with that?
Megan Thee Stallion and Halle Bailey, two prominent figures in the entertainment industry, have recently grappled with the darker side of online communities. The Houston Hottie Megan has faced relentless trolling since her public altercation with rapper Tory Lanez. Accusing Lanez of being the assailant in the shooting incident, Megan found herself entangled in a web of controversy and had to fend off persistent attacks from Lanez’s apologists.
Recently, Megan Thee Stallion finally let off more steam with her new single “HISS,” which sends a warning to anyone trying to use her for clout and shows she’s not afraid of dissing anyone who’s wronged her on her rise to fame. This song came after her song “Cobra,” a brutally honest record that gives a sad depiction of her mental and emotional health while going through these tough times. HISS did what it needed to do. It trended, and then what did Megan do next? Mind her business and carry on with her life.
Halle Bailey, who gracefully responded to months of speculation about her pregnancy, also faced a barrage of criticism. After confirming the birth of her son, Halo, and sharing intimate moments from her motherhood journey, she confronted her detractors when trolls accused her of lying about her pregnancy and gaslighted fans for months, only showing a behind-the-scenes look at how an image was photoshopped to remove her pregnant belly.
She responded, “I’ll never understand why you are mad [that] I protected my own peace. Wouldn’t you do the same?” And I’m gonna share my pics now if I want to because my son is here safely,” she tweeted. “If you don’t wanna see it, just keep scrolling, baby. [Laugh out loud], God bless you!”
I might not be popular, but I’ve had my share of trolls who literally follow me and comment under all my Instagram stories seeking attention until I actually give them the attention they’re seeking, only for them to cuss me out and insult me and my family because of how I chose to respond. If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen. The block button is free to use. I can’t imagine having to deal with that daily. Megan and Halle taught me two ways to respond, with grace or with some fire. I’ll see which one I’ll use the next time around.
I would rather have celebrity money than fame because you will have no peace in the public eye. The lack of respect and empathy on the internet is growing by the minute, and this year everyone needs to learn how to mind the business that pays them, especially involving celebrities who don’t pay their bills.
