SHILLONG, May 26: In the era dominated by social media and digital platforms, academic achievements often thrusts students into the limelight. However, amidst the flood of congratulatory messages, a darker underbelly emerges — a swarm of trolls lurking behind fake identities. These trolls, many of whom hide behind the anonymity of accounts managed by teenagers, unleash a barrage of vicious comments targeting the achievers, mostly focusing on their appearance or background and conveniently undermining their remarkable achievements.
Some of the top achievers of the MBoSE HSSLC examinations found themselves ensnared in this web of online harassment. Despite the influx of well-wishes, a deluge of fake accounts descended upon them, hurling insults and homophobic slurs at the toppers.
A former victim of social media trolling and currently a Political Science student from a city college recounted resorting to drastic measures — deleting all social media accounts and seeking solace from a psychiatrist to navigate the ceaseless trolling.
“I sought professional help for nearly two years before I could muster the courage to return to social media,” he confessed, shedding light on the jealousy-fueled motives driving much of the trolling.
Similarly, another top performer fell prey to ridicule, targeted for his facial features and subjected to age-shaming and community-based taunts. The onslaught was so severe that media channels hosting videos of the achievers were compelled to disable comment sections to stem the tide of vitriol.
A distraught family member reached out to The Shillong Times, pleading for the removal of a video, lamenting how what should have been a day of celebration had been marred by heartless individuals, leaving lasting scars on these vulnerable teenagers.
As social media increasingly mirrors society, questions arise about the trajectory of our collective values. Where is society headed if this is the new norm?
A student from North-Eastern Hill University echoed the urgency for action against cyber bullying, emphasizing the need for accountability.
“These faceless trolls thrive on the impunity of online anonymity, oblivious to the profound impact of their actions on our lives,” she asserted.
“I once did file a case with the cyber crime branch and they said they will look into it, but it has been a year and there has been no response so far. I also stopped enquiring because it took a toll on my own mental health,” she added.
Social media, a double-edged sword, exposes individuals to both adulation and adversity. Even figures of authority, like the former East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo fell victim to online vitriol in 2021, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, albeit met with legal consequences due to influential backing. But what about ordinary citizens?
In the face of such rampant digital hostility, the societal fabric hangs precariously. If this is the path society continues to tread, then what does the future hold?
