Phoenix: Live Love Laugh

Cyberbullying has become far too common in our digital lives. In this honest reflection, Andrea shares how one woman’s story—and her own experiences—shed light on the painful cost of online cruelty.

Cyberbullying: What Happened to Human Decency?

When did we become so desensitized to each other that attacking strangers online feels normal?
How did we become a society where sending cruel, threatening, or judgmental messages is considered entertainment?

I was raised with one simple rule:

“If you have nothing nice to say—hush up.”

You don’t like what you see? Keep scrolling.
You don’t agree? Respectfully disengage.
You don’t relate? You don’t have to comment.

But clearly, in today’s world, that logic seems lost.

My Break from Social Media (And Why It Was Necessary)

A while ago, I wrote about taking a break from Facebook.
The negativity was becoming overwhelming, and my energy couldn’t take it anymore.
I stuck with Instagram—only following pages that were positive, spiritual, food-related, or hobby-driven.

Eventually, I joined TikTok.
I thought: “How bad could it be? It’s just 15-second dancing and lip-syncing videos.”
I was wrong.

TikTok Isn’t Just Fun—It’s Cruel, Too

Don’t get me wrong—there are creators I love.
Real people with real struggles, who make uplifting content.
I even make a few videos myself and send them to family just to laugh, check in, or show I haven’t lost my sense of humor.

But here’s what broke me:

I follow a young woman who dances.
She’s joyful. Talented. Clean. Positive.
No profanity. No gimmicks. Just good vibes.

One day, I logged in and saw her video explaining that she lost her job.
Why?

Because someone—a stranger—left a negative review on her company’s website, attacking her for posting TikToks.

She was given a choice by her boss:

“Stop posting… or leave.”

She chose to leave—on good terms—and eventually found a new job doing what she loved.
But let that sink in:
A mother of three, trying to stay sane and joyful through tough times, lost her job because someone weaponized social media to hurt her.

And for what?
For dancing.
For daring to enjoy 15 seconds of joy.

This World Hurts My Core

When did we become so hateful?

When did we decide it’s okay to treat people like objects—stepping stones for our own ego, entertainment, or envy?

I don’t even watch drama-filled content.
But I see the ripple effect of selfishness and cruelty… and I feel it in my spirit.

A Word on Selfishness

One of the biggest pet peeves I’ve developed in the last 5 years is self-centeredness.
The me-me, mine-mine, I-I mindset.
The toxic competition.
The need to tear others down just to feel powerful.

Let me be clear:

I’m not in competition with anyone.
I never have been. I never will be.

I celebrate people.
I cheer you on.
And when I disagree? I do it respectfully.

But if your energy disrupts my peace—I will block, delete, and disengage. Without apology.

Everyone Is Fighting a Battle

You have no idea what the person on the other end of the screen is going through.
And they don’t owe you an explanation.
Kindness costs nothing.

I don’t have authority over how someone fights their battles,
But I do pray they have the strength to win.

Final Thought: If I Could Meet One Person…

It would be Eve.
Because the ripple effect of one choice still echoes through generations.

The cost of disobedience wasn’t worth the temptation.
The cost of unkindness never is either.

📜 A Note from Late Nigh

Sometimes my most profound reflections come at night.
And this one was heavy on my heart.
So if you’re reading this:
Be the reason someone smiles, not the reason they fall apart.