How to handle negativity online according to seven Irish beauty influencers

You can’t scroll through the comments section on Facebook or Instagram without seeing someone saying something nasty to somebody else. Trolls and keyboard warriors will always weasel their way into conversations to create drama – and influencers know that more than most. We asked seven Irish influencers about how they deal with negativity online, and how we can do the same…

Lorna Weightman

Photo credit: Instagram @styleisleirl

“I don’t receive too many negative comments online, but when I do, I reply to them usually saying that my reviews are based on trying products, or my own personal preferences and favourites. I don’t post anything on my blog or social media without doing my own trial run.

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“Otherwise, I don’t feel like I’m giving my followers the honesty they deserve. They are perceptive and curious, and it’s my job to ensure they have all the facts before they consider buying a product.”

Louise Cooney

Photo credit: Instagram @louisecooney_

“I’m lucky I don’t get too many trolls – but I would just ignore. There is not much point in trying to explain yourself to people who are committed to misunderstanding.”

Laura Kennedy

Photo credit: Instagram @loora_kennedy

“Blocking all negativity (though tempting) doesn’t help because it stops you from seeing constructive criticism. It also creates a shrine-type online space, which is just weird. I think it helps to take both the positive and negative comments and be realistic about them. If they’re informed and constructive, use them. If not, they’re irrelevant – that goes for the good stuff and the bad.”

Mark Rogers

Photo credit: Instagram @m.rbeauty

“I am really lucky in that I don’t get a massive amount of negativity. I have had some and I always check myself first to see if there is anything to be taken from it. But, 99% of the time it’s hate for the sake of hate, so I then move on and ignore it. I think the worst thing you can do is give trolls oxygen or acknowledgement. That’s what they feed off.”

Louise McSharry

Photo credit: Instagram @louisemcsharry

“I deal with negativity online by taking a break. The compulsion to check my phone is real, but sometimes a few hours engaging with the real world can really cure what ails you.”

Aimee Connolly

Photo credit: Instagram @aimeeconnolly_com

“Thankfully I have never been exposed to too much negativity – probably because I don’t share enough (or as much) as others, but of course, we all get the odd comment. I find it’s best not to rise to them at all. At the end of the day, nothing good comes from leaving unnecessary, mean comments – so what that person is looking for is a reaction to validate what they have said.”

Lauren Bejaoui

Photo credit: Instagram @laurenbejaoui

“I pay no attention to online negativity and it has no place on my platform. I deal with negativity by rising above it.”

Holly White

Photo credit: Instagram @hollywhite.ie

“I’ve always been quite cautious in growing my content and tend not to use too many popular hashtags or do many competitions – because they can attract people who just want to win, not those who are genuinely interested in connecting with me or my content. As a result, I don’t have the vastest reach, but I have a quality following who are engaged and supportive, and they value whatever content I provide.

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I feel I have an authentic connection with them, and if people ever have an issue or want to clarify something, they genuinely DM me and I always respond. I’ve been in this industry a long time and I value my reputation above getting 1,000 likes. If I’m not for someone, they don’t have to follow.

“Also, I only feature brands that I genuinely love and use regularly, and I’m strictly cruelty-free. I think of followers as my closest friends and engage with them as such, and they respect that. As such, I’ve never gotten any negative feedback on a beauty recommendation.”

Top photo: Louise Cooney via Instagram