What to Do When You're Trolled Online: A Guide for Women Content Creators
Online trolling is real, but it doesn't have to stop you. Here's how creators can respond with grace, boundaries, and purpose. #ApniRoshniBaaharLa
Remember back in the day when we only had to deal with trolls in our surroundings, like school, college, or our neighbourhoods? Back then, they were just people with loud opinions we could see coming. But now, as content creators putting ourselves out there on social media, every eye that sees our work has something to say. Some scroll by, some cheer us on. And then there are those who take it a step too far; the trolls.
They leave rude comments, attack appearances, question choices, and forget there's a real person on the other side of the screen.
Welcome to the reality, as women creators, this kind of trolling can hit differently. But that doesn't mean we stop. It means we learn how to protect our energy, hold our ground, and keep going with clarity and confidence.
You're Here to Shine
Dolly Singh, one of India's most loved content creators, has faced relentless trolling about her uneven smile. Trolls urged her to "fix her teeth," as though her being comfortable with her own body was anyone's business.
She didn't hide. Instead, she spoke candidly about the impact of the trolling and continued to create from her truth. She later became the face of a dental campaign, owning her narrative entirely.
When actress and creator Avneet Kaur attended the Cannes Film Festival to unveil her movie poster, people questioned her presence, called her irrelevant, and criticized her appearance, all because she dared to represent India on an international stage.
Instead of shrinking, she spoke up. She reminded people to take pride in seeing Indian women on global platforms and said that for those who couldn't say anything kind, they should at least refrain from negativity. Her response wasn't loud; it was grounded in dignity and perspective.
Here's How to Respond Like a Pro
Trolls react to what they fear or misunderstand. Their comments often reflect insecurity or ignorance, not your truth. When you detach emotionally, you reclaim your power.
Pause. Breathe. Remember: their reaction is not your reflection.
You have the right to protect your space:
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Mute or restrict negative accounts.
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Turn off comments when needed.
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Take breaks from the app.
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Avoid reading comments when you're already vulnerable.
You don't owe trolls an explanation. But if you choose to respond, do it with intention.
Dolly responded by reshaping the narrative. Avneet responded by reminding everyone what representation truly means.
If you respond, ask: Will this add value or just fuel drama?
Trolls are noisy, but your community is your anchor. The people who uplift, share your story, and root for you matter more.
Show gratitude. Share your feelings. Build connection and not just codependence on visibility.
Your worth isn't tied to likes or comments. You create to connect, to heal, to inspire and your light belongs to you.
Trolling won't silence your voice unless you let it. You own your narrative. Stand by it.
If trolling crosses into harassment, threats, or cyberbullying, you have every right to take legal action. In India, you can:
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Report cyber abuse to cybercrime.gov.in
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File an FIR at your nearest police station under the IT Act
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Use social media platform tools to report abusive accounts
You're not "overreacting." You're protecting yourself, and that's your right.
Trolls Just Prove You're Being Seen
If trolls attack you, they noticed you. They reacted because they saw something, something real. Owning your presence, telling your truth, and shining confidently, that’s what real influence looks like.
Glow Up Academy, by Glow and Lovely Careers believes real creators rise from within, not by filters or trends, but by facing challenges, holding firm to their voice, and letting their light guide them forward.
So stand tall. Show up. Create bravely.
#ApniRoshniBaaharLa
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11 Jun 2019 -
13 Feb 2019
