Question from a reader:
Are the people criticizing celebrities on X just bored individuals?
The Background of Online Defamation
It’s become a common sight to see criticism and defamation against celebrities running rampant online. Recently, when discussing this topic with a friend, he casually remarked, “Aren’t they just bored people?” This made me think a little deeper. In reality, I believe
that much of the defamation directed at celebrities is not merely a way to pass the time; it involves more complex psychological factors. For instance, I’ve heard about the case of the defamation emails sent to Hori Chiemi. It’s astonishing that over 10,000 pieces of defamation were sent by just four individuals. This cannot be dismissed as simply the actions of bored people. Instead, it seems that obsessive feelings towards a specific individual may be driving such behavior.
Insights from My Part-Time Job
Working part-time at a judicial scrivener’s office, I have the opportunity to hear stories from various individuals. Recently, a colleague was laughing while discussing how amusing he found the criticisms of celebrities online. At first, I laughed along with him, but as the conversation progressed, I began to feel that there was something quite frightening about it. He expressed a puzzlement: “Even though those criticizing have their own lives, why do they go out of their way to attack others?” During my break at work, while snacking, I pondered this conversation. Indeed, many people have some free time, but how that time is spent is ultimately up to the individual. If one could shift their focus even slightly towards their own life or hobbies, they would likely find that they have no energy left to waste attacking others.
What Lies Behind Defamation
Ultimately, online defamation may not just be a boredom outlet; it could be a means of expressing personal dissatisfaction or stress. Celebrities, in a sense, are distant from our daily lives, but by criticizing them, some may feel a sense of existence or validation. Thinking this way, the online world truly is mysterious. Why do we become so emotional about people whom we have no direct connection to? Sometimes, it can be entertaining to enjoy as a joke, but at its core, it likely stems from deep human psychology. What do you all think? I’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts on online criticism and defamation in the comments. Through this exchange, we might uncover new insights.
