Managing the impacts of online hate
Online hate can have negative impacts on your mental health and wellbeing as well as limiting your ability to connect with people and participate online. It can also lead to harassment and violence offline.
Whether you see a hateful post or comment or a direct message from someone that contains hateful content, remember you have the power to decide whether and how to engage. Use these recommendations from members of the LGBTIQ+ community to manage the impacts.
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Dealing with online hate |
Online hate can affect your mental health and wellbeing, |
and even stop you from going online. |
But remember, |
you have the power to decide |
how to deal with hateful content. |
If you come across a post |
with content that may be triggering or harmful |
to you or others, |
report it! |
Stop and take a deep breath |
before replying to negative comments. |
Are they really open to hearing your perspective? |
Responding to hateful comments can make things worse. |
You have control over what you see online |
and who can contact you. |
Mute, unfollow or block, accounts |
to make your social feeds more positive. |
What happens online |
can affect your mental health and wellbeing. |
Remember to take time away from screens |
and try to focus on the positive things in your life. |
Build your psychological armour |
Remember your strengths. |
Acknowledge your feelings. |
Build a supportive network. |
Create a safe space offline. |
Be kind to yourself. |
Stay positive. |
and support other people. |
To learn more go to eSafety.gov.au |
Dealing with online hate
Tip 1: Report hateful content
If you come across a post that may be triggering or harmful to you or others, report it. Most online services have ways to report abusive posts or accounts. You can find reporting links for many online services and apps in The eSafety Guide. You have the power to make social media a better place for everyone.
Tip 2: Resist the urge to respond
If you are the target of online hate, stop and take a deep breath before replying to negative comments. Is the person who posted them really open to hearing your perspective? Responding to hateful comments often just makes things worse. Sometimes people say hurtful things just to get a reaction. Resist the urge to respond and redirect your energy and emotions to things that deserve your time and attention.
Tip 3: Prevent further contact
You have control over what you see online and who can contact you. Mute, unfollow, or block accounts to make your social feeds more positive. If they reappear under a different name, mute or block them again. The eSafety Guide has advice on key online safety functions for many online services, including social media, games and other apps.
Tip 4: Take care of your wellbeing
What happens online can affect your mental health and wellbeing. Acknowledge how you feel and give yourself time to heal from any hurtful online content. Be kind to yourself – it’s not your fault that you have been abused. Remember to take time away from screens, do things you enjoy and focus on the positive things in your life.
Tip 5: Build your psychological armour
There are several ways you can develop skills and strategies to cope with online abuse. Remember your strengths. Don’t let the opinions of others define your self-worth. Build a supportive network, try to stay positive and support other people in the LGBTIQ+ community and beyond. Learn more about how to build your psychological armour.
Find out more
Find out more about online hate and discrimination.
Young LGBTIQ+ people can find more information about dealing with negative online experiences in our advice on being out, transgender or gender diverse online.
Get support
QLife
All ages. Counselling and referral for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and/or intersex. Phone counselling and online chat available every day from 3pm to 12am.
Last updated: 20/10/2023
