Trolls affected my mental health. It’s been really upsetting
TCorrie star Samia Longchambon on how she can empathise with character Maria’s nightmare
rolling is something actress Samia Longchambon is only too aware of.
So it’s not too much of a reach for her when her Coronation Street character Maria discovers the perils of being in the public eye this week as the online opposition to her council plans turns personal.
Samia, 39, told us why the story is one she can connect with...
Why does this story resonate with you?
I’m really pleased this is being covered. I’m also glad I’m playing it because I feel I’ve had a lot of experience over the years. Not to the extent of death threats but I’ve had trolls where it’s been really upsetting.
Did it affect you as it does Maria?
It does affect your mental health, definitely. It knocks your confidence. Even if you get 99 nice comments, you only remember the one awful one. I’ve let it get to me a lot, whether it’s thinking, ‘I don’t want to go out today’ or not posting things because people might think I’m showing off or it’s an opinion which might upset someone.
Do you worry about your daughter in terms of trolling?
Yes. I feel like things should be more regulated online, especially for young people. My daughter is 12 so I’m really nervous about it because you’re such an easy target.
Maria has already had an online video mocking her but things turn nastier…
She gets a call from the school as her son Liam has been in a fight. Liam tells her it was about a video. Maria assumes it’s the original one but she’s horrified to discover this one is a deep fake, which makes Maria look like she’s doing pornography. Then she starts getting death threats – she’s really scared for her family.
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Yes but she doesn’t want to let down the people who voted for her. She’s trying to keep things to the bin issues but one guy from the refuse depot, Jimmy, starts to heckle her. Gary reckons he must be the troll and almost punches him. The press are there so it goes from bad to worse for Maria.
Does it start to affect her?
It makes her want to withdraw as a councillor and also be really aware of what she puts online. We definitely see a change in her.
What advice would you give to Maria?
I don’t know. I think Maria is quite strong, probably a lot stronger than I am. You want to say just ignore them and carry on doing what you were doing. But it can be quite dangerous to take on these trolls, especially in politics as politicians have been targeted.
What’s your tip for dealing with trolls?
Just block them.