As a media artist navigating the vibrant, sometimes chaotic world of online spaces from right here in Osogbo, I know firsthand the electrifying power of sharing your work.
That rush of connection when someone truly gets what you have poured your soul into? There is nothing quite like it.
But, like navigating the bustling markets on a Saturday morning, the online world also has its less pleasant encounters: the trolls.
I remember vividly when I first started consistently posting my music online. I was excited, hitting “post” with a mix of pride and vulnerability. The first wave of comments was encouraging. People praised the beat, the lyrics, the vibe.
Then one comment appeared: “You can’t sing like this and blow up.”
Even though the overall reception was positive, that single negative remark still landed heavily. Another time, I got trolled about an outfit I wore in a promotional video, completely unrelated to the music itself. Honestly, it stung. It made me question my work, my talent, and even my decision to share my art publicly.
For a while, the fear of the next negative comment became a heavy blanket over my creative energy.
Sound familiar?
If you are an artist putting your work out there, especially in this hyper-connected age, you have probably encountered the digital mud fight that is social media trolling. It can be heavy on your confidence, your peace, and your willingness to keep showing up.
But over time, I have learned a few important lessons — not just about deflecting negativity, but about protecting the foundation of your creative spirit.
Understanding the Landscape: Why Trolls Lurk
Before we talk about how to respond, it helps to understand the terrain. Trolling often comes from places that have very little to do with the actual quality of your art.
Insecurity
Sometimes, negativity is a reflection of someone else’s dissatisfaction. Bringing others down can temporarily make a person feel superior, especially when they are not willing to confront their own insecurities.
Attention seeking
Some people just want a reaction. To them, any response — even an angry one — is validation. They enjoy the chaos they create because it makes them feel noticed.
Misunderstanding or lack of context
Online communication removes a lot of nuance. A rushed comment, a misunderstood creative choice, or someone not fully understanding your artistic direction can quickly turn into criticism.
The anonymity shield
The internet can make people bold in the wrong ways. Behind a screen, some people say things they would never say face to face.
Recognizing these motivations does not make the sting disappear completely, but it helps you detach emotionally. Often, their words are more about them than about you.
Building Your Digital Shield
Staying creative online is not just about posting more. It is also about protecting your mind, your attention, and your belief in your own work.
1. Acknowledge and assess briefly
When you see a negative comment, your first reaction may be to lash out or internalize it. Pause first.
Ask yourself: is there any useful feedback here? Sometimes, even poorly delivered criticism can reveal something worth improving. But toxic, empty, or deliberately hurtful comments should not take up space in your mind.
Assess briefly, take what is useful, and move on.
2. Use the block button without guilt
The block button is not weakness. It is a boundary.
If someone is consistently abusive, disrespectful, or clearly trying to disturb your peace, remove them from your space. You are allowed to curate your online environment.
Think of it like decluttering your studio. You would not keep toxic fumes around while trying to create, so why keep toxic interactions around your mind?
3. Do not feed the trolls
This advice is popular because it is true. Trolls often want reaction more than conversation.
When a comment offers no value and is only designed to hurt, it does not deserve your energy. Silence can be powerful. So can deleting, muting, blocking, or simply moving on.
4. Focus on your cheerleading squad
Every artist needs to remember the people who actually care.
Focus your energy on the listeners, viewers, friends, collaborators, and supporters who engage with sincerity. Reply to thoughtful comments. Build with those who believe in the work. Nurture the people who see the vision.
Their encouragement is fuel. Do not let one negative voice drown out ten genuine ones.
5. Set boundaries with your time and attention
Do not get trapped in endless comment threads. Do not spend hours rereading negative feedback. Do not let your creative day be controlled by people who are not building anything with you.
Set specific times for engaging online, then step away. Your mental energy is precious, and it should be protected for the art itself.
6. Remember your “why”
Why did you start creating in the first place?
Was it the joy of writing? The love of sound? The need to tell stories? The feeling of turning an idea into something people can connect with?
Trolls are external noise. Your “why” is internal direction.
When negativity creeps in, return to the reason you started. That reason is your anchor.
7. Talk to people you trust
Do not carry every bad online experience alone. Talk to fellow artists, trusted friends, collaborators, or people who understand the creative journey.
Sometimes, saying “this actually got to me” is enough to release some of the weight. You may also realize that many other creatives have faced similar experiences and found ways to keep going.
8. Embrace imperfection
Not everyone will love your work, and that is okay.
Art is subjective. What resonates deeply with one person may not connect with another. That does not mean your work has no value.
Do not let the opinions of a few dictate your artistic path or silence your experimentation. Your unique voice is what makes your art special.
Staying Creative in the Face of the Noise
Navigating social media trolling is really about building resilience. It is about learning to filter the noise, protect your creative spirit, and keep your focus on the work that matters.
Your music has value. Your voice matters. Your perspective deserves space.
A Practical Rule for Artists Online
Before you respond to a negative comment, ask yourself:
- Is this feedback useful?
- Is this person trying to understand, or just trying to provoke?
- Will replying help my work, my peace, or my audience?
- Does this deserve my energy?
If the answer is no, keep moving.
Quick Digital Boundary Checklist
- Block or mute accounts that repeatedly disturb your peace.
- Screenshot and report serious harassment or threats.
- Do not make important creative decisions while emotionally reacting to one comment.
- Keep a folder of encouraging messages, reviews, and feedback to revisit when doubt creeps in.
- Give more attention to genuine supporters than to random negativity.
Final Thought
The online world can be loud. Sometimes it will feel like a crowded room where everyone has an opinion about your sound, your look, your voice, your choices, and your journey.
But noise is not direction.
Remember why you started. Keep creating. Keep sharing. Keep refining. Keep protecting your peace. Keep shining your artistic light, from Osogbo to everywhere your work can reach.
Do not let the digital mud fight silence your creative song.