I know there’s this myth that getting harassed online is supposed to be less traumatizing than getting harassed irl, but like. no, it isn’t.
a lot of times the safe spaces we carve out for ourselves occur online (especially common for queer & neurodiverse folks). for many of us, it becomes one of our few options to socialize in a way that feels safe and good. that space becomes as special and intimate as any physical community.
and when that space gets violated by trolls, by bullies, or just by confused and frustrated people who are encouraged to attack first and check facts later–these acts are not inherently less violent or traumatizing than things that occur in our “real” lives. when we are part of a community, and we are attacked by members of that community–that is a harrowing experience, in any form.
