What do you do if someone criticizes you online?

Question

What I mean by someone criticizing you is a person who disagrees with you. This can be anywhere online, not just GAG. How do you react to online criticism?

VinnyMac · Accepted Answer

I really don't like the way some people choose to criticize someone online. It's cowardly to speak rudely to a person you don't even know.

In certain instances on certain social media sites, particularly Facebook people seem to almost comment simply for the purpose of commenting.

I understand that we live in a free world where everyone is entitled to have their own opinions and express those opinions, but there needs to be a point where you draw the line.

The point where we should draw the line is when someone criticizes us as a person, our character. People are always going to have their own opinions, and if they don't agree they can respectfully state why they feel that way. It should never become personal.

When something becomes overly personal often times you cannot change the other person's point of view. Often times It's best to agree to disagree. If you give a comment or state an opinion some people will not respond kindly and be those who criticize. If It's your opinion they criticize maybe you can engage in a conversation.

Whenever that conversation becomes more than a different opinion and more of an attack then I would ignore the person so as not to escalate things. I do try to delete or remove things if the conversation is going nowhere. Sometimes you cannot always delete the comments or remove the conversation in which place It's better to move on.

I've come to realize there's no way to know why someone is criticizing you online. Some people do so for absolutely no reason, other than to create drama and watch to see how many likes or responses the comment will get. There are also some people who criticize because they're having a bad day so they project their anger online. There are also instances where a person may criticize because the comment may trigger them and bring out a negative response to something they may of or may of not let go.

It be helpful if we knew why, if we understood the context from a point of view other than our own. Even if we did, a person criticizing you like this is not okay. If criticism passes the boundaries of what is okay then it needs to be either ignored or deleted. If the person becomes confrontational and things either border on or become harassment then I would block them and if what they wrote is something that should not be written or said to someone then I would report them.

DonkeyDan · Accepted Answer

To an extent I will reply to that person to try and have a rational discussion as to why my opinion is the way it is and look further into their side, to see if a common ground can be found, other times I ignore it and move on. The problem with trying to have a rational discussion with someone online is they always get angry when I make valid points and turn onto a 5 year old lol
The other day there was a young woman on here asking a question about why men can't accept that straight women can have sex with women and still be straight 😂 I should have just ignored it but for some reason I felt I wanted to continue the discussion, needless to say she could accept the fact that she was infact bi because she has sex with women, I ended the conversation in a civil manor yet she still felt the need to make a sarcastic comment afterwards. I often find the more polite and civil I remain the more they get worked up 🤣

wheresmrcunnunglis · Accepted Answer

depends on the quality of their criticism. Some backlash I get is warranted but the ones that are simply picking a fight just to do so, I ignore in a heartbeat and if they persist by following me on other answers I give then I block. I remember I got called a " lycra wearing mofo" due to me sharing my disdain for being honked at while riding a bike despite always using the bike lane. The troll who said it was from the UK so I guess I get where the disdain was coming from but still why ya gotta call me out like that ( I clearly dont take most criticism seriously) haha!

SweetFyter · Accepted Answer

Absolutely would NOT ignore them or delete the message. That's assuming the person is just criticizing my opinion or position on this or that. I will argue/debate my beliefs.

But if the person is attacking me, personally, I may respond once, to tell them how wrong it is to attack the messenger and not the message, and see where it goes from there. But, if it's just HATE, I probably would just ignore that. Wouldn't delete it, though. I'd leave it so other THINKING people could see how juvenile and ignorant the person is.

NathanDavis · Answer

if they disagree with me on anything I said, that is fine... we can have a discussion about it and I do not consider that criticism and I do not make it about me personally

if they criticize me for what I am, who I am or whatever I seem to be to them... maybe that is criticism and then I do see where they're coming from and I try to understand that, and they might have a point or not... either way is worth to consider it, many times is just a misunderstanding and things end up fairly well, because it was just a discussion rather than arguing just for the sake of arguments or antagonism

but I sure like to make a differentiation between then two

England4eva · Answer

The world has turned so vile towards others sharing an honest opinion, that a lot of people just don’t express their opinions anymore, especially online.

I think it’s ok to express yourself (respectfully) But only if your mental health and emotional strength, is equipped to deal with the backlash of having done so. I personally don’t think it’s worth it. So I keep my opinions (mostly) to myself.
Which is such a shame because it takes many opinions to find a middle ground, which usually ends up being the best solution.

Lionman95 · Answer

I try to react to the person because sometimes there is a misunderstanding between us. Criticism in general can be fruitful because some people have the ability to critize your opinion without putting you down.
I know I have limits and I make mistakes daily so it´s no big deal to me if I person points out where he/she thinks that I made a mistake.
I wouldn´t deal with it differently offline so I try to be the same online because I don´t see anything wrong in admitting that I´m wrong if it´s the case.
If the person just attacks me, I try to tell him/her that as polite as possible.

TheorionMage · Answer

I judge them foremost by THEIR life experiences and the rationality of their position taken.

Once upon a time 'EVERYONE KNEW' the world was FLAT... despite the OBVIOUS physical evidence of observing the curvature of the ocean's horizon----

I would hope they would do the same for me, though that occurs rarely, because... MY life experiences
are FAR afield of the common citizen, and FEW are willing to "take a walk on the wild side" to risk THEIR fragile 'cognitive dissonance'. SO important is THEIR being embraced by and into the 'fat, dumb and happy' herd.

annabananna · Answer

I will either reply or ignore it really just depends. Sometimes you can tell with their disagreement if they won’t be able to see your side so replying wouldn’t make a difference. I don’t get offended or upset for just a disagreement as long as they are respectful and not calling names. I don’t understand why some people block because they don’t like the other persons opinion.

LexiLuv91 · Answer

I personally appreciate the disagreement one might have of my input/opinion of things (in most cases.) Just like me, others are allowed to have their own opinion and outlook on things and they may not always align with mine or even come close. But I still respect, appreciate and even adore it. Not only is it fascinating how different our minds run and thought process goes as individuals but it's also motivational.

BirdieBeep · Answer

Honestly, this is the internet, not a family dinner. No need for courtesy, I do whatever I feel like. If I'm in the mood to respond and have something to say, I do. If I don't have anything to say or don't feel like it, I ignore. All depends on my mood, and that is regarding any comments towards me, critical or not. I don't care much about what randoms say, and if I don't think it's worth responding to, I just don't.

whirled_up_girl · Answer

I don't mind debating with people I might disagree with as long I think they are being respectful. If they think I'm way off with my opinion and want to tell me that, to me it's fine as long as they are respectful. And if we respectfully debate and can't agree then I'm fine with just leaving it at that and agreeing to disagree. However, I had one user just fling a bunch of insults at me one time and didn't even try to debate so I just blocked them.

mamuma02 · Answer

Its good to face crirism in order ro grow mentally.

Ignoring or deleting them won't help and it will make you weaker and scared.

Face your them, although it can take time before you get stronger.

Not all people are nice, and you are not gonna be right everytime in all subjects
Some people my criticise your ideas, but its good, it will make you grow and come up with better ideas and prof.

Aerissa_Jade · Answer

Depends how they do it. If they insult, its a delete and or block. Name calling also can fall into insults. Some people like to name call and insult others, that is their entire purpose of being online, I will not engage them.

If it is constructive, no issues with that at all.

MarkRet · Answer

I usually ignore it. If the criticism is accurate and makes a good point, I just accept it. If they're just being a nasty troll who can't spell or can't put together a sentence that makes sense, then I'll turn into a grammar-Nazi and make fun of them.

Sour-rose · Answer

If it's not helpful in ANYWAY POSSIBLE and they just talking shit... most likely gonna ignore it. Had a comment on my newgrounds page saying instead of doing art commissions, i should sign up for a gofund me. I felt like he insulted me by suggesting that.

Adam1978 · Answer

Useally the pull shit from their ass and try to nail it on me, so it's them deflecting their screwed world on me. So yeah I can't take those people seriously. They don't know me so they can't for the most part criticize me only their own incorrect assumptions.

ManOnFire · Answer

I voted Other. It depends on the response. I never block people for criticizing, they're not that important. But if I feel like it or if the person warrants it, I'll just be sarcastic and make them look stupid, and other times I just don't feel a need to respond and move on to other discussions, notifications, etc.

Alwayreckles93 · Answer

I get into disagreements when it comes to multy level marketing on this site and in person. People that are involved with Amway often called me a negative or a loser because I don't want to join their pyramid scheme. But I am surprised when the MLM people criticize me because I am an anti MLM. Lol

ArrowheadSW · Answer

If their position is respectful and has some legit backing to it, I will listen. However on this site, more often than not it is someone who really has no backing to what they are saying and they just can't handle anything that goes against their way of thinking. That or they just like being impolite for some weird reason.

noamazia · Answer

depends on how they do that.
if it looks like a troll or someone who is just there to curse then i just ignore.
but most times i try to create constructive conversations and debates. sometimes people because of that they see me as the troll for some reason.

DizzyDesii · Answer

If they respectfully disagree then we can respectfully agree to disagree. But if they get to talkin smart or throwin jabs, I’ll clap back. We can call a truce after do many blows or they can keep going and get blocked. Makes me no difference. The person doesn't mean much to me in the first place

skyeee_ · Answer

i'd just ignore it. but if it persists it'll result in a block or in an occasional case, a response back if im bored or want to troll. because feeding on these peeps is a huge waste of time and they'll wanna pick on u more when they recieve ur response to use it as their only source of entertainment in their miserable life

sirderpsalot123 · Answer

It depends on how they address it. They can't just resort to name-calling, they have to actually be able to provide some sort of compelling argument. If they can't do that then their criticism is meaningless to me. I actually do appreciate honest criticism though. I like when people can actually make see something from a different perspective or even change my mind completely. It isn't impossible.

Sonorous · Answer

If it ain't constructive, then I'm not going to go into conversation with the person. But I'd still think about it & see if there's a takeaway. And if need be, I'll take it to someone that knows me better & ask them if they see a takeaway.

corasthots · Answer

Sounds cliche, but I be overly nice. It really gets on their nerves and pisses them off. People like that are miserable and love to argue. Therefore, calling them ‘cupcake’ will for sure do some damage LOL.

DaveJord · Answer

I hate these asses on here, that post a reply to some thing you said in a very rude, mean or irrational way... then immediately block you so you can't rebuke them.. So I reply or ignor them 50/50.

dustybiker · Answer

Depends on the context. If pathetic and attention-seeking, ignore. If threatening, stand up to them and or report them. I have deleted comments when filling that own need. I had a spam porn image posted to my Q this morning.

ShadezMcgee · Answer

Depends on how they address it. Are they being an obnoxious and condescending ass, or are they being civil and voicing constructive and legit counterarguments. Personally will interact with the latter and take them more seriously over the formwe.

jshm2 · Answer

Depends. If its just opinions then that is what they are there for.

ADFSDF1996 · Answer

Depends on my mood and how they criticize me. If there is no spite then I’ll have a civilized debate with that person.

If that person is just being an a**hole or a keyboard warrior, I’ll tell that person to f*ck off.

EnglishEuropean · Answer

That depends whether I think the criticism is justified, and how it was phrased. If people are respectful I'm more likely to reply. And yes I know I can be a jerk sometimes, especially when I'm drunk.

Cuminginside · Answer

I stood my ground especially with these feminists I do not back down oh, they can go sit down!

Moose304 · Answer

I react based on the intent of the critic. If they are giving me constructive criticism I will engage in a discussion. If they are simply trolling me I ignore them. IF they continue trolling and start stalking me I block them.

bowenw · Answer

It depends on the criticism. If they make a valid point or are respectfully expressing an opinion, I will thank them for their input. If they are being meanspirited or making false claims will report them and usually block them.

AviatorTom · Answer

Depending on what they say, sometimes I reply to them... good discussions are often interesting... and some of teh time I just ignore them. If they are being abusive and offensive, I may block them.

exitseven · Answer

Sometimes I will reply if the criticism is done in a respectful and thoughtful manner. If they are just calling me names I will ignore them.,

Tamera952 · Answer

I’m a fucking pro at it. That’s half the reason I’m on gag…for entertainment and sparring with people.

TommyMountainFigure · Answer

I'll just ignore then and stick em in the bin. Nothing aggravates a person who wants an argument more.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

I like being 'criticized' - when it's in a civilized manner: It keeps me from getting stuck in my own opinion patterns; after all, I might be wrong here or there.  So I'll talk it out.

Still-alive · Answer

If its someone i care about and actually giving me constructive criticism, i reply and consider it. otherwise i either ignore it or troll the fuck out of them lol

MJtheCoach · Answer

I reply and try to use logical reasoning however 95% of people cannot do that they keep using buzzwords and they repeat the same thing over and over again in that case I don’t bother their consciousness is way too low for me to waste my time.

BrickBiggems · Answer

I turn all their bodies dopamine supply into pure murcury.

HumeyraHaktanır · Answer

I don't do anything, I like being criticized anyway..

Kaneki05 · Answer

"You want a battle? here's a war!" usually how I deal with it.

AndrésC64 · Answer

It depends on my mood. I wouldn't get mad or offended about it since they have no idea who I am. I might reply like the smart-ass that I can be, or I may troll, or I may ignore

SurströmmingLover · Answer

It depends on where it happens (platform), how many people are or will view it and what consequences I might have if I respond (being banned etc). I will mostly try to ignore it.

DaveToo · Answer

I will discuss our differences of opinions, and stay friends, right up until they insult me. Then I block them. Civil discourse is essential to the learning process.

SignedAutographs · Answer

I try to figure out the background of the person criticizing first just to see where they're coming from. That's why I don't like it when people go anon. and criticize. It's like "what are you hiding" after blasting me

katiesmuff · Answer

Generally I would just ignore it but there are occasions where I might respond

purplepoppy · Answer

Lot's have criticized me on here, lots have gone missing.

Mary087 · Answer

There’s the block button for a reason, to cut off those negative, rude people.

Alyssa_11 · Answer

Ignore them. Some people on the internet have too much time on their hands / get very brave behind the screen.

beebella · Answer

I usually don't respond because then it just turns into a fight and fighting with someone, whether it's online or in real life, is very exhausting.

Valso · Answer

It depends on the criticism and whether or not the person understands my responses. If they continue to criticize without even reading what I answered to them, I'll just block them.

Citizenkirk · Answer

If it is constructive criticism, than I try too learn from it.

Gwenhwyfar · Answer

I’ve done all those. I’m a little thin skinned (though I try not to be). And unfollowed the person.

genericname85 · Answer

it entirely depends on how that criticism is articulated.

JustiReno · Answer

If you put yourself out there like that you gotta expect it? Roll with it? Naw stick and MOVE!

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

I ignore them cause their not worth me getting upset over

Mark987 · Answer

Depends on his criticism. If it''s too much I'll let them know. If it's just them trolling I'll ignore it

Iron_Man · Answer

I usually would dog them back hard but you can’t do that on this side because they can freeze your account

Djaay · Answer

If its constructive ill give it a honset look. If destructive.. they can fuck off

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