Some days, I feel like social media should be re-named “antisocial media”. It can be a brilliant place – full of humour, breaking news, compelling content and new friends. But it can simultaneously be a nasty playground for trolls; where the constant drip of criticism wears you down, day by day, if you put your head above the parapet on controversial issues.
PHOTO NICHOLAS DAWKES
Recently, it’s felt more like the latter to me. Don’t get me wrong – I’ll always be a huge social media fan and have no intention of leaving. It’s a crucial part of my work as a writer and broadcaster. Plus, many of my friends live in other countries, so Twitter and Facebook are the lifeblood of our communication. But lately, the online negativity and nastiness have been making my soul feel weary.