What is your favorite social media platform, and why?
I don't think I could definitively answer this question because they all serve a different purpose for me personally. In some moments where I'm feeling super creative, TikTok is my favorite, for sure! But, when I feel like I need interaction and connection then Instagram is my go-to favorite as I can engage much more with my community there!
Do you think social media is a blessing or a curse?
It is what you choose it to be… It can be a difficult place to be when you sit and compare yourself to others, but it is so easy to control your narrative across social media with who you choose to follow, differentiating what is real and what's not, the privacy settings you choose to have etc. But, if you surround yourself with goodness, it can be the biggest blessing!
Have you ever been personally targeted with online abuse?
Honestly…most days!
How does it make you feel, and how do you deal with it?
When I didn't have a platform, it was definitely more difficult. Back when I was at school, I experienced online bullying, which I struggled to deal with, but I guess the block button exists precisely for this reason! But now, any stranger that says something negative to me means nothing as I don't personally know them and they don't know me.
What message would you have for someone who thinks that abuse and harassment online 'is just a joke'?
Hurting a person's feelings or mental health is never a joke. Picking at a person's insecurities will not make yours go away and if someone is setting boundaries with you - respect them as you'd expect them to!
What advice would you give to somebody being bullied or abused online?
If it is from someone you don't know, their opinion of you is entirely irrelevant; we all have different perceptions, and all that matters is the opinion we have of ourselves. If it's from another person you know, talk to someone about it, and get advice from those who care you for.
What would you say to anybody who is anxious about pursuing their dreams for fear of ridicule and abuse?
If you're happy and you're not hurting anyone, who cares? You have one life; watch them stop laughing when you succeed!
Do you have a positive mantra or saying that you use to motivate yourself?
Similar to what I said in the last question! If it's not harming anyone and will make me happy, do it; there's absolutely nothing to lose!
In 10 words or less, why is kindness important?
You can change someone's life with one word of kindness.