While it may sound cliché, those mean or hurtful words directed at you are most likely not truly about you. Here are a few reasons why people may be coming at you with negativity.

Relational aggression is often a symptom of emotional struggles, and hurtful comments may simply be a way of releasing pent-up emotions.

When we see someone else whose life seems better than ours or who has things we want, it can result in anger toward that person.

Social media allows people to be anonymous, giving them the freedom to lash out at others or project their frustrations in ways they probably wouldn’t IRL.

Understanding the psychology behind negative comments doesn’t make them okay or take away their sting, but reminding ourselves not to take them personally is a powerful practice.

Deciding whether and how to respond to negative comments or messages is both a business and personal decision. Here are three ways to find some calm and balance before responding.

When our stress or anxiety spikes after reading something negative or hurtful, we tend to make it worse by holding our breath or taking shallow breaths. Start by taking a deep breath or two.

Close your eyes and inhale through your nose for a count of 4, hold for a count of 7, and slowly exhale through your mouth for a count of 8.

Stepping away from our computer or phone and taking a short walk helps to move us both physically and psychologically away from stressors like negative comments.

Negative comments often occupy more headspace than positive ones. Counteract this by revisiting positive comments or thinking about the positive impact you’re making.

Learn more about dealing with stressors like negativity online or learn more about cyberbullying and how to cope.

Many of us recognize that social media portrays a highly curated version of people’s lives, but resisting the urge to compare ourselves can still be challenging.

Set time limits for social media usage each day to reduce the chance of excessive scrolling and comparison.

Be mindful of who you follow. Unfollow accounts that trigger negative feelings of comparison and instead follow those that inspire and uplift you.

Leave positive comments and like posts that interest you.

Focus on your own unique strengths, talents, and achievements. Practicing gratitude and self-acceptance can counteract the urge to compare yourself to others.

Remember that social media often portrays idealized versions of life. Avoid comparing yourself to unrealistic standards.

Use social media as a platform for genuine connection and expression. Share your own experiences authentically to break the cycle of setting unrealistic standards for others.

As content creators, we face uncertainties such as fluctuating engagement, relevance, and concerns about controversy or cancellation amid a changing social media landscape. Here are tips for navigating these uncertainties.

Direct your energy toward things you can influence, such as your creative process and creating more engagement strategies with your audience.

Be curious and experiment so you can adjust your strategies, plans, and business model as circumstances change.

Establish a self-care routine tailored to your needs, ensuring you have coping practices in place for moments of uncertainty.

Taking a look back at what you’ve learned and accomplished is a powerful reminder that you are meeting goals along your journey.

Use slower periods as an opportunity to learn. Whether it’s a new editing technique or the latest social media trend, staying informed keeps you ahead of the game.