LAST week I wrote about the feelgood story of Conor Doyle who beat the bullies on Facebook. This week I want to talk about the bullies themselves.

Social media is wonderful in so many ways, connecting with old friends, sharing special moments and keeping up to date with what is happening in the world.

There is, however, a dark and sinister side to social media and that is ‘keyboard warriors’. I myself have had my share of unkind comments and messages when I dared write a positive piece about Tralee.

 

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I don’t regret writing it as I believe in what I wrote. I was tempted to post the horrible private messages and name and shame those who sent them but I decided against it.

It would give them more attention than they deserve. Recently a lovely lady had a horrible time with bullies on the internet and it really made me mad.

Yes, she is in the public eye and during a TV slot she made an error. She had the video shared and was ridiculed beyond belief and it’s just not fair.

Do these people who post horrible comments realise that there is a human being seeing what they are writing? Do they realise the hurt and pain that they cause?

Everyone becomes an expert all of a sudden and loves to point out people’s mistakes. It must be wonderful to never have made a mistake in your life…

Fashion always has and always will be a love of mine and it upsets me when anyone who dresses a little different to what is considered the norm gets abuse.

Case in point is Kerry footballing legend Paul Galvin. I have seen the most unkind comments when he posts a picture and I often think that he must be made of thick skin.

I also wonder do these idiots who post these comments realise that he has a fiancee, a mother, a father, sisters and a brother who feel the hurt as well?

Sure, people may not like his choice of clothing but do they need to call him names and show such vitriol?

I have no doubt that sometimes my opinion piece will irk some people and that is fine but remember it is only an opinion piece and is subjective, so before you call me names or send me horrible messages, remember that I too am human.

I have a certain degree of the aforementioned thick skin but I have my limits.

Think before you type an insult that there are faces behind the words! I often wonder would the bullies be as brave if you came face to face with them, I think not.

For all those who have been victims of keyboard warriors, keep the chin up and know that they are just cowards who think that the most important part of their day is how many “likes” they will gain for their abusive comment. You are better than them and do not let them win.

On another note don’t forget to get out and vote on Friday, I will be hoping that the Yes side will be the winners on the day but the most important thing is to get out and use your democratic right.

You will have no right to whinge if your preferred side isn’t victorious if you don’t bother to vote.