Ritabhari Chakraborty: Trolling celebs on social media is like internet’s guilty pleasure

In the dynamic tapestry of the internet, celebrities – with their glitz, glamour, and larger-than-life personas – have become some of the biggest magnets for attention. But not all of this attention is positive or even benign. The rise of social media trolling targeting celebrities has emerged as today's most concerning digital pastime and actor Ritabhari Chakraborty has been fighting it for years, always being vocal on spreading awareness on body positivity and the importance of self-love. Now, in an exclusive chat with ETimes, Ritabhari speaks on the implications, impact, consequences, and how she aims to use social media in her fight against these faceless trolls.

“Celebrities have always been under scrutiny, with every action, outfit, or statement analyzed and critiqued. But social media has intensified this scrutiny. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok provide direct access to stars, and with this access comes an unfiltered barrage of opinions – including trolling,” shares Ritabhari during the interaction with ETimes.

The actor explains that there’s a blend of reasons. “Celebrity lives, portrayed as perfect, can often trigger envy, resentment, or feelings of inadequacy in some individuals. Trolling becomes a tool to level the playing field, to knock the stars down a peg. Moreover, trolling a celebrity might also give someone a perverse sense of relevance or connection to that star,” adds Ritabhari who had to gain 15 extra killos for her role in the film ‘Fatafati’ that addresses the issue of body positivity.

Contrary to the belief that celebrities are immune to criticism due to their status, many are deeply affected by online hate. “If you see many stars including Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran, and Millie Bobby Brown had to take breaks from social media due to excessive trolling. The mental toll can be immense, leading to anxiety, depression, and a strained relationship with public life,” points out the actor.

“Often, celebrity trolling becomes a form of collective entertainment. A single negative tweet can snowball as others jump on the bandwagon, not wanting to miss out on the latest online "drama." This herd mentality amplifies the negativity, turning it into a trending topic or even a meme,” feels Ritabhari.

According to Ritabhari, awareness is growing about the detrimental effects of trolling on celebrities' mental health, “Advocacy groups, fellow celebrities, and fans often rally around a star facing undue criticism, showcasing the positive power of the internet. Moreover, platforms are getting stricter about online harassment. They're implementing better reporting mechanisms, and algorithms to detect and curb hate speech.”

She admits that the allure of the celebrity world is undeniable, “But it's essential to remember that beneath the shimmering veneer, celebrities are as human as the rest of us. They have feelings, vulnerabilities, and challenges. As we scroll through our feeds and come across the latest celebrity news, a little empathy can go a long way. The future of social media interactions hinges on the choices we make today.”

As Ritabhari signs off she hopes that choosing kindness over trolling, understanding over judgment can transform our digital world into a space of support, admiration, and genuine fandom.