What if behind every viral video lurked a silent suffering? For many, content creation is entertainment, but for those who make a living from it, it's a challenging profession, sometimes marked by derogatory and painful moments.

Cyberbullying is a phenomenon that has a particularly negative impact on the mental health of its victims. Through several testimonies from Senegalese influencers and insights from a healthcare professional, this article provides an alarming overview of a scourge that is still too often underestimated.

Between passion and digital violence

Guinean content creator Fatima Stella, who is active on TikTok, has been the victim of prejudice. “As soon as I started talking about sensitive topics, especially celebrities or gender issues, the hateful comments poured in. I was called a liar, envious; my appearance was criticized. But I refuse to remain silent. I am strong, but sometimes it hurts. A lot,” she lamented.

Momar Soubatel, a Senegalese lifestyle influencer, has also experienced this digital violence. "During the rivalry between two artists, the mockery and provocations against me multiplied. Sometimes, I delete videos simply because I don't have the energy to read certain comments."

Cyberbullying manifests itself in various forms: insults, threats, mockery, judgments based on appearance, and even sexist attacks. Many influencers are victims of this type of harassment, an often overlooked aspect.

The specialist's opinion: mental pressure that can leave after-effects

These repeated attacks leave their mark. According to psychologist Aminata Thiam, "cyberbullying acts like a slow poison. It erodes self-esteem, causes anxiety and depression, and can socially isolate victims." She adds that the amplifying effect of social media multiplies the violence, making each attack harder to bear.

She adds: "It is urgent to train young people in the healthy use of networks, to strengthen psychological support for content creators, and above all to enforce laws against cyberbullying. This is not a whim, it is a public health issue."

A situation that calls into question freedom of expression and humanism behind the screens.