‘WE DON’T NEED FACELESS TROLLS’
Social media is both a boon and a curse, feels actor Zareen Khan. In times like these, while we’re able to stay connected and also raise our voice on important issues, some discussions are taking an ugly turn.
“It’s no doubt good that people are now being vocal about many things that weren’t discussed openly earlier. But they are forgetting ethics and that there is a certain line that shouldn’t be crossed. Threats, abuses, passing judgments are taking a negative turn altogether,” says the actor, 33.
Khan believes that in case of any difference of opinion, it is best to talk it out in a compassionate manner. “Times are really difficult. Even the strongest are breaking down, given how the pandemic has affected us all. Right now, we need to sort things out compassionately. We must spread positivity,” she adds.
Not new to trolls, the actor shares how all this negativity affects one’s mental health. Khan, who was earlier body shamed on social media, had hit out at trolls, stating how wrong it is to have unrealistic physical expectations.
“There’s enough that we are dealing with already. Even if we feel low, we can’t step out, meet friends and relatives over food or coffee and chill. There are limited ways for us to relieve our tension and worries. The virus scare is looming large, and we are also thinking about work and finances… every day, we wake up to some bad news… We don’t need these nameless and faceless trolls spreading negativity and adding to all these. If you can’t provide emotional support, don’t disturb anyone’s mental peace,” she asserts.
While earlier, she was sceptical of stepping out, Khan says it’s time to get back to work. “For how long do you sit at home? As soon as my projects start rolling, I’ll join back. But, not everyone is ready to roll. They are worried about the consequences. I think we need to take the chance right now and find ways to cope with the situation,” she ends.