Question from a reader:
I’ve often heard that people who speak ill of others are disliked, especially those who spread negative comments about celebrities online. What are your thoughts on this? What feelings do you have towards those who engage in such behavior?
The Impact of Negative Comments Online
Recently, while having tea with friends at a café, this topic came
up—people who speak ill of celebrities online. I felt compelled to share my thoughts on the matter.
The Psychology of Those Who Speak Ill
I believe that the reason people speak negatively about others often boils down to their desire to fulfill their own needs. For instance, when someone points out another’s failure, it might give them a sense of superiority, making them feel, “Ah, they are human too.” Perhaps feeling superior, even for a moment, boosts their confidence. However, such behavior tends to make those around them uncomfortable. Personally, I have always disliked listening to gossip, and when I find myself in such situations, I often feel the urge to leave immediately. It’s like when a friend is sharing a funny story, and suddenly someone chimes in with, “That movie was really boring.” It completely ruins the enjoyable atmosphere, which is truly unfortunate.
The Importance of Complimenting Others
Moreover, while speaking ill is prevalent, I think it’s equally important to say positive things. By complimenting someone, we can help them recognize their good qualities, which can improve the overall atmosphere. Recently, when I praised a child’s drawing by saying, “That’s really good!” their eyes lit up with joy. Remembering moments like that, I believe adults should also focus on finding and highlighting the positive traits in others.
A Desire to Avoid Negative People
Reflecting on this, I can’t help but feel that I want to distance myself from those who speak poorly of others. Being around them can be draining, as their negative energy tends to spread and accumulate stress. Of course, everyone has moments when they want to express dissatisfaction, but directing that negativity towards others is, in my opinion, not the right approach. Lastly, what do you all think? If you have any interesting stories or opinions about online negativity or the behaviors of those around you, I would love to hear from you in the comments! It would be great to share some enjoyable topics together.
