In an era when internet access is easy, online bullying, or cyberbullying, has also increased. It is a harmful behavior in the online world that causes fear, shock, feelings of worthlessness, and makes victims the subject of social ridicule. Examples include mass insults, using hateful language (verbal abuse), which causes victims stress, anxiety, and disrupts daily life. Sometimes, it can even cross legal and ethical boundaries.
Data from ETDA reveals that cyberbullying in Thai schools is as high as 40%, ranking second in the world after Japan. It involves using digital technology to harm victims psychologically and possibly physically. The worst part is perpetrators can hide their identity online, making it hard to know who to address. Content targeted by harassment—such as insults, ridicule, defamation, exposure, public shaming, humiliation, and false accusations—spreads rapidly online. Negative comments and shares create a relentless cycle of cyber harassment that deeply wounds victims.
Victims of cyberbullying come from all genders and ages, including both ordinary people and celebrities. Gen Z celebrities who have experienced cyberbullying shared their stories and coping methods with Thairath Online’s lifestyle team, hoping those facing similar issues can apply the advice.
She revealed she has faced cyberbullying through negative comments from strangers whenever she releases work or posts photos on social media. Sometimes she even receives direct messages personally insulting her. She shared her coping strategies:
“I used to be very sensitive. I would read everything and believe what they said. But the most important thing is having people around who support and wish well for you. Sometimes those comments are just people venting their anger at us. I feel one key help is knowing your self-worth and being confident in yourself and your strengths. That way, reading those comments doesn't hit as hard. Now, when I read them, I understand what they say; if it's untrue, I ignore it and move on. But if it's constructive, I use it to improve myself.”
He told Thairath Online he has also experienced cyberbullying and sees it as a normal part of this era that’s hard to avoid. His way of coping is to avoid reading negative comments. If something can be improved, he takes it; if not true, he lets it go.
“For others who face this, I think the best way is to avoid consuming it, don’t pay attention, and don’t read it in the first place. Remember, many who insult us are people we don’t know, have never met in real life, and judge us only by what they see on screen. So, it’s not who we really are. If possible, avoid it and try to let go.”
She said she has never experienced cyberbullying but believes a good way to cope is to focus on positive comments that make her feel good about herself. Negative comments, if constructive, she uses to improve herself; if meant to hurt, she ignores them.
“My way to cope is to spend time alone and with loved ones, which makes me feel comfortable. If close friends or family face hard times, I give them time. Sometimes when friends are upset, we don’t need to talk; just being there shows we’re present, which helps them feel better.”
Avoiding reading negative comments is a psychologically sound way to cope with cyberbullying, explained Dr. Woratom Chotpitiyasun, or Dr. Nat, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and spokesperson for the Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health. He said that not reading negative comments greatly reduces mental health damage and suggested ways to stop the root of negative comments:
“Many social media platforms allow reporting unwanted content, such as TikTok, where you can report messages or content, and block people likely to bully you in the future. Most importantly, when we face cyberbullying, we can talk to those close to us to share what’s happening so they can listen or help us find solutions, including consulting mental health professionals if the impact worsens.”
For those unable to overcome the negative feelings from cyberbullying, Dr. Nat recommends taking a break from social media for some time. On TikTok, features allow blocking likely bullies and filtering visible words. Once mentally ready, users can return to social media as before.