THESE days, with so much of our communication happening online, it's become easy for people to say whatever they want without much thought.
Sitting behind a screen gives some a sense of freedom or detachment that they wouldn’t have in face-to-face conversations. Whether it's in the comment section of a viral video or a heated thread on social media, opinions are thrown around quickly, and not always kindly.
People often jump to conclusions, reacting emotionally without knowing the full story.
The speed at which things spread online only adds to the pressure, and in many cases, those at the centre of it all are left to deal with sudden, intense attention, often criticism. For those caught in the middle of it, it can feel overwhelming.
The internet doesn’t pause to consider how its words might affect someone personally. While not every comment is harmful, the sheer volume of opinions, many of them negative, can weigh heavily on a person.
It’s not always easy to separate useful feedback from thoughtless noise, especially when it comes at you all at once.
Actress and singer Diana Danielle has spoken candidly about facing this kind of experience herself.
She emphasised that people often express their opinions online, hiding behind their keyboards, and that the best way to deal with it is to take it all with a pinch of salt.
In today’s digital age, people are quick to comment and react to viral issues, often responding harshly and rushing to judgement without fully understanding the situation.
Diana noted that when someone finds themselves under sudden public scrutiny, it's important to remain calm and handle it wisely.
She shared that, based on her own past experiences, the key is to not take everything too seriously and instead try to maintain a sense of humour about it.
She suggested that when people say things they don’t like, you might respond with light-hearted banter, adding that often, it’s just what's in their heads rather than factual statements.
"What people say isn't necessarily true. You can even turn it into something fun, and sometimes, those people might even become your friends.
"It takes time to build thick skin,” she said in an interview with Sinar Daily.
The 'Raja Dusta' singer said it’s normal to feel upset or affected, especially when learning how to navigate the online world. Reaching a point where people are completely unaffected is unlikely, particularly on bad days or when not feeling great about themself or life in general.
Diana said that these are often just intrusive thoughts, people thinking out loud and understanding that can help in dealing with negativity more healthily.
She stressed that while it's important not to be overly egoistic or dismissive, it’s equally essential to consider constructive criticism, especially when it comes from fans or people who genuinely care.
"If someone tells you there’s room for improvement, especially supporters, it’s worth listening. Growth and learning are lifelong processes,” she added.
ALL ABOUT PERSPECTIVE
Diana also highlighted the importance of perspective, emphasising that people cannot control how others react. Social media often becomes an outlet for intrusive thoughts that people might not say in real life but feel emboldened to express online.
She highlighted that this is one of the fundamental flaws of social media and also part of what makes it so active and chaotic. If people didn’t overshare both the good and the bad, the online world wouldn't be as lively as it is today.
While she usually knows what to say and when to say it, Diana admits that she’s only human, and there are moments when she’s tempted to speak out even if it might land her in trouble, though she usually reflects before acting.
"If I have to apologise, I will. But most of the time, I just have to own it. Controversy is tricky, and each situation needs to be looked at individually.
"As a Muslim, or simply as someone with integrity, you’ll know when it’s the right time to stand up for something but often, it’s just noise,” she said.
She said that some situations can seriously impact someone’s career or life, and in those cases, it’s important to speak up.
Diana said it can be helpful to seek advice from a friend in the legal field or someone in the industry to help decide whether to ignore an issue or take formal action, such as releasing a statement or pursuing legal avenues, as these situations can be complex and unpredictable.
Facing public scrutiny in the digital age can be overwhelming, but as Diana suggested, taking criticism with a pinch of salt and a sense of humour can make all the difference.