The Toxic Cycle of Social Media Attacks: Why It Must End

It often starts with a perceived wrong—someone makes a mistake or says something controversial. Instead of reaching out or understanding, some individuals choose to publicly attack, believing they are doing the right thing by exposing the “bad” behavior. The attention they receive—likes, shares, and comments—fuels this behavior. It becomes less about accountability and more about gaining clout, relevance, and the feeling of being a hero.

The impact on victims is devastating. They often feel overwhelmed, isolated, and powerless as strangers pile on. Every attempt to defend themselves can escalate the attack, making it worse. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and tragically, in some cases, it can lead to suicide. The emotional toll is so severe that victims may see no way out. This is why it’s critical to remember that behind the screen is a real human being with emotions and a life that can be deeply affected.

This behavior is toxic for everyone. It creates a culture of fear—people become afraid to speak out or even make mistakes. It erodes trust in communities, as everyone watches their back, wondering if they’ll be next. Instead of creating a healthy space for discussion and growth, it turns social media into a battleground.

We need better alternatives. We must promote private conversations first, giving people a chance to explain or learn. We must fact-check, be patient, and above all, remember empathy. Treat others online as we’d want to be treated, even when we believe they’ve done something wrong. This is the only way to foster genuine accountability and growth, without destroying lives in the process