How UP Board topper Prachi Nigam’s incessant trolling highlights a deeper problem in our society

The effects of trolling and bullying on young girls and women

“Trolling and cyberbullying can significantly impact a young person’s mental health and self-esteem. Psychological research indicates victims of online harassment may experience increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress,” said Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals.

According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, “Youth who experience cyberbullying, both as victims and as offenders, report lower self-esteem, higher depression and suicidal ideation, increased school problems and participation in other problematic offline behaviours.”

Mounting societal pressures

In today’s world of likes and comments, external validation seems to play an important role, adding to the existing pressure societal beauty standards put on young girls and women, says Sohini Rohra, counselling psychologist and mental health advocate.

“These so-called ‘perfectionist’ standards of beauty are directly correlated to negative body image leading to anxiety, depression, eating disorders and low self-esteem spinning in an unending circle of self-doubt and self-criticism. It can create a terribly toxic relationship with the self, fuelling shame and self-hatred,” Rohra continues.

The scars girls carry

According to Abhilasha Daga Lakhani, 35, who works as a PR and communication consultant, the concept of beauty is equated with being fair and thin. The idealisation of zero-size figures, Korean skin, and fairness standards exacerbate these ideals. This has lead to girls hesitating to show their true skin colour and weight on social media.

Daga said, in school, she often heard comments like, “Oh, you’re so thin, you’ll fly away if I blow on you!” or “You walk like a boy, why do you have so much hair on your hands?” It used to bother me, especially since I spent most of my time there.”

Sujana Bora, a 25-year-old software engineer, shared how, from a very young age, she saw movies like Princess Diaries, Clueless, Devil Wears Prada, where there would be a montage of makeovers of one of the protagonists in the film. “Those scenes gave you a rush, but it signalled you need to look a certain way to be successful in your life.”

Issues like hirsutism, which involves excessive hair growth in areas where hair is typically minimal or absent, can occur due to hormonal imbalances such as those seen in conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). (Source: Freepik)

‘Looks don’t matter, achievements do’: Empowering girls to love themselves

Anita Saxena, 62, opened up about the anxiety and fear mothers face. “If your daughter is physically attractive, one is scared of the extra attention she may attract. If she’s not conventionally good looking, you’re apprehensive of people hurting her self-esteem,” she said.

Seema Gupta, 47, reveals she found her younger daughter buying a lot of clothes, bags, jewellery, and makeup. “The switch from school to college had gotten so much into her mind that anything new she watched her friends owning, she’d want that too. I saw her trying to adapt so much in the new environment, that her individuality seemed missing,” Gupta said.

Girls sometimes don’t even know they’re pressured, they just subtly want to fit in and be accepted because that’s what the society has taught them to do.

Manila Rathi, 37, said her own daughter has facial hair. But, she asserts what truly matters is for girls to not fear anything and own up to who they are. “As long as you achieve something, looks don’t really matter. When I got to know about Prachi and how heavily she was trolled online, as a mother, I felt disturbed. But, I chose to focus on her achievements and I know she will make it big.”

Parents, schools, and society: Working together to break free from the cycle

Puberty is a critical time for physical and hormonal changes. It can significantly impact a girl’s body image, according to Dr Vinutha G, senior consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology and deputy medical director at Athreya Hospital, Bengaluru.

Issues like hirsutism, which involves excessive hair growth in areas where hair is typically minimal or absent, can occur due to hormonal imbalances such as those seen in conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

According to her, encouraging young girls to embrace their natural appearance is vital. Educating them about the normalcy of bodily changes during puberty can help.

Sanjana Gupta, 19, wishes the society celebrated diversity more openly. Although films and advertisements bring up such topics by showcasing a variety of body types, skin tones, and talents, the ground reality of how things are perceived is very different. “Young girls still feel the need to conform to one narrow definition of beauty,” she said.

Cadabam says parents can help kids when it comes to trolling and bullying based on looks. “Discuss cyberbullying with your children and encourage them to share their online experiences. Foster an environment of acceptance and understanding at home and consult with educators or psychologists if the bullying persists,” she said.

Schools should not only tackle bullying within premises but also on the internet, Rohra added. “The school needs to understand and identify the core cause of the bullying and educate the students as well as teachers about online bullying,” she said. Providing important services such as counselling and safe spaces for students to report bullying is imperative.

Dr Vinutha also advises young girls to focus on holistic health, which includes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. “Maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, and seeking mental health support if needed are essential,” she emphasises.