Crashing Through Criticism: Dealing With Negativivity

Hey y’all, first and foremost, I want to apologize for the lack of consistency in my blog posts. I am still trying to figure out this format and balance the additional writing with my schedule.

Today I’m gonna talk about one of the biggest roadblocks many people face when following their dreams. Overtly negative criticism, especially in the form of comments, can be debilitating. Imagine working tirelessly on a project and having it picked apart the second you release it. Yet, without this process at its core, you’ll never truly grow.

This is the harsh reality that many creative people face every day. My articles for CBR consistently receive brutal comments criticising my various opinions or pieces. However, I refuse to let these comments stop me, and you should do the same. At the very least, someone is engaging with your work. Although it can be difficult, incorporating feedback is a necessary part of creative growth. That said, not every comment is worth listening to.

If you create things people are passionate about, they will be emotional in their responses. This can sometimes manifest in overwhelming positivity, but it is most often aggressive negativity. This negativity can be staggering for many creators, especially in the beginning. You have to learn to separate yourself from your work. Our creative endeavors might contain part of our souls, but will always be imperfect. Sometimes people like to make themselves feel better by pointing out the imperfections in others. This process often manifests in the form of negative comments.

Internet anonymity has allowed many people to be more critical than they might if their opinions were attached to a name. If you believe in your opinion, why hide it? Will you look back at that comment you left and feel good about yourself later on? Is your comment transformative, or intentionally hurtful? These are all questions people should ask themselves before commenting, but don’t. Yet, you shouldn’t let their lack of consideration prevent you from pursuing your passions.

Mean comments are awful, but that’s all they are. They are mean for the sake of being mean, and you shouldn’t let them affect you. Like dealing with a bully, this can be more difficult said than done. Nevertheless, it is a crucial part of the creative process. You must pick the comments clean of any genuine advice and dispose of the rest. Comments shouldn’t be outright ignored, but shouldn't be your ultimate source of consultation. A professional will give you more applicable advice, without the overt negativity.

If you believe in your piece, you should get it professionally reviewed instead of leaving it to the comments. That’s not to say that the public eye won’t provide nuance. However, it is challenging to find genuine critiques among the aggressive negativity. That is one of the main reasons that many suggest ignoring comments for the most part, especially negative ones. While this is a great tactic for self-preservation, it could prevent growth in the long run.

As long as you don’t let the negativity affect you, many negative comments can indicate that people are at least engaging with your piece. Finding the overarching neutral criticism of a larger group of comments can be the key to turning mean comments into positive ones. Several of the most beloved celebrities didn’t become that way overnight. They have always had passion, but they crafted their style over literal years of analysis and criticism.

Comments aren’t the most important part of the creative process, but they are a factor. Understanding your comments can be an easy way of gaining an advantage in your field. Sometimes, keeping a positive mindset can be as easy as keeping yourself slightly separated from your work. After all, a positive outlook can be the difference between a happy and an unhappy life.

It can be frustrating to see our pieces picked apart, but it is an important part of ensuring we’re always improving. Perfection might be technically impossible, but if you follow your passions and listen to the wisdom of talented individuals in your field, you’re bound to find success. Never forget that if you’re passionate about something and it’s positive, you should never give up on your dreams. Thank you all for reading.

Stay Creative!