Why are the biggest trolls middle-aged women?
At the age of 43 and with three kids under my belt, Im reluctant to admit it but I probably fall into the category of middle-aged mum. And, apparently, middle-age mothers are most likely to be online trolls; secretly  or not so secretly  bullying other women on social media. This revelation came on Tuesday when Em Sheldon, 27, a lifestyle influencer, appeared in front of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee as part of its research into the growth of influencer culture. During her evidence, she revealed that the majority of negative comments she receives online  often in response to a sponsored message paid for by an advertiser, or something as simple as a selfie taken while shes out walking her dog  came from women with children. These are grown women with, actually, very good jobs and seemingly very good lives who are doing this, and thats the saddest part about it, she said. At a glance, it is easy for me to see why feelings of envy might arise from Sheldons Instagram feed: some 127,000 followers soak up pictures and videos of her holidays, expensive clothes and beautiful friends. She seems carefree and happy, and is Kardashian-style gorgeous. I, too, have an Instagram following of a similar number. But my tummy certainly isnt as toned, my holidays arent as lazy, my house isnt so tidy, my skin not so dewy, my outfits not as glamorous. Well, apparently it doesnt stop people. Sheldon said the comments were worse when her Instagram posts were adverts or paid partnerships with brands. They dont like that people are making money, she said. They think: Right, I am going to ruin this persons life, Im going to destroy that business.  Author and influencer Candice Brathwaite has also experienced online negativity after posting paid posts. Not that long ago, I was claiming Jobseekers Allowance and staying with my mum when things got too tight for us, she wrote in a blog post on the topic. So now, every time a brand wants to work with me, Im the cow jumping over the moon. Because I never want to feel that kind of pinch again.  Brathwaite has 227,000 Instagram followers and has written two books. Her followers are largely supportive of her choice to monetise her Instagram presence, with one saying: Liking one of your ads is like adding to the hat of a busker whose music I really like. Its me supporting them in a small way for all the free content they produce, which I appreciate.  The trolls seem to forget that influencers are simply trying to pay the mortgage, and that their social media images are a mere snapshot of their lives. Posting on Instagram isnt a job in itself, and freebies might be nice, but they dont pay the bills. Ive been careful about which parts of my life I share. I try to be authentic, but I sometimes dont have the energy for negativity, so I dont share things that could be interpreted badly. For instance, I didnt share the massive food hamper I was sent during the first lockdown, when funds were tight for a lot of people. And I rarely talked about my nanny, for the four years I had help with my small children and the housework, while I ran a business. I still found motherhood extremely hard but I knew it would be a contentious subject. Sure enough, the one time I did mention her, I had a slew of comments asking me how I thought I was winging it  my brand catchphrase  with a posh nanny in a big house. Trolling feels hurtful. It feels like youre being victimised, it eats into your mind and invades your sleep. My experiences range from the ridiculous  such as an angry woman sharing my address, house price and picture of my home on her Instagram feed  to the hurtful; questioning my breast and bottle baby-feeding technique. Theres also the comedic: You talk s--- and your lipsticks too bright. Touch.