Before you respond, save the screen
This story is for anyone who, on a Monday morning, saw an anonymous post mocking the way they speak.
Scenes
- Someone posted the way I speak on an anonymous board — While getting ready for work, I saw a post imitating the way I phrase things. My story was too clearly there to simply laugh it off.
- I want to delete it, but I want to respond first — When I close the screen, it feels like I’ve lost. But I hesitate to reply in case it spreads further. It’s common for your hand to freeze in a situation like this.
- I opened the comments and checked the name — Around seven that morning, I was scrolling through the comments at the table when I found a sentence that revealed my speech habits and what had happened the day before.
- Look for patterns and context, not just one sentence — Online harassment traps people through repetition and distorted context, not just a single insult. If you respond right away, the record gets scattered and you get pulled along at the other person’s pace.
- Save just three screens in one place — Save the full post with the account name and time visible, then put it in one folder. Even if you don’t reply right away, you’ll have a place to review what happened.
- Even the night I didn’t respond stays on my side — Not explaining everything today doesn’t make it disappear. Leave a record, as you would lock a door, and first check whether you’re safe right now.
Stories by Suho
- Suho
- Someone I’d seen online was standing outside my home.
- I keep thinking about that call after the work dinner.
- After work, I’m standing at the door, and I need to change who can see my account.
- After my appointment, an offer to work together came in.
- I check the hate comments again, even after putting my child to bed.
- When I wake up, today’s plans are already decided.
- On the first night, should I open the door when someone says we have a mutual friend?
- Every lunch break, when I’m alone, I want to know who they really are.