Earlier this year, Little mix member Jesy Nelson, released a documentary called ‘Odd One Out‘ sharing her personal experience and the impact social media, body shaming and trolling had on her mental health. Nelson became part of one of the biggest British girl groups, but she became consumed with trolling and abuse on social media which led to depression, an eating disorder and she also attempted suicide because of the severe impact this all had on her mental health.

A troll is internet slang that categorises users who post inflammatory messages on the internet to provoke emotional responses out of someone. Trolling is a type of cyber-harassment which can occur anywhere on social media, where people post negative thoughts and opinions on someone else. Nelson wanted to raise awareness about the impact of trolling, as it tends to be taken lightly, or is seen as ‘banter’, but trolling can impose serious mental health issues on victims who are constantly being humiliated and targeted by trolls online. Victims usually experience low self-esteem, helplessness, anxiety, depression and it can lead to suicide.

“I was very naive,” says Nelson. “I thought it would be people giving their opinion on our performance. But nearly every comment was about the way I looked: ‘She’s a fat ugly rat’; ‘How has she got in this girl group?’; ‘How is the fat one in this?’

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/sep/08/little-mixs-jesy-nelson-on-
surviving-the-trolls-people-were-saying-horrific-things

In her documentary, Nelson explained how she started to believe everything that people posted about her, she became pre-occupied with her weight and self-image. This eventually escalated and all Nelson longed for was for peoples approval and acceptance. She went on to explain how she felt heartbroken and devastated every single day after she became depressed because of the situation.

When posting our opinions or thoughts online about someone, we have to consider their feelings and the impact one simple comment can have on that person. It is unacceptable to be spiteful or vindictive to another human being, no one likes to be trolled. Stop spreading hate!