opinion

Act, Don’t React, With Internet Trolls

Act, Don’t React, With Internet Trolls

The first time I received a hateful message online was about 10 years ago when I had just posted my first YouTube video. I was sitting at my laptop checking comments and sipping on a glass of Pinot Grigio when the words jumped off the screen … and into my soul.

“Die, fat bitch.”

If someone starts trouble in your room, ban them right away and report them to your platform’s abuse department.

I could feel my blood going cold as the tears streamed down my cheeks. I must have re-read the comment a hundred times that night wondering who would say something so heinous to a complete stranger. I tried to shake it off, but just couldn’t. So instead, I shut off my computer, finished my wine and cried into my pillow for the rest of the night.

As someone who works closely with models now, I hear similar stories every day. Tales of performers subjected to verbal abuse from members and harassed on social media by people who want freebies are just a few of the things I hear about at least several times a week.

Camming can be a glamorous gig, sure. After all, who doesn’t want to feel beautiful on camera while your adoring fans shower you with money and gifts? But any career in the spotlight also opens you up to the potential for a lot of hate online, and let’s be honest — sometimes it hurts.

So, how do you shake it off when the online trolls are out in full force while all you’re trying to do is mind your own business and do your job?

Consider the Source

The fact is that happy people don’t degrade others online. I’ll say it one more time for the people in the back: happy people don’t degrade others online. So if you find yourself on the receiving end of an undeserved verbal assault, remember what they are saying has far more to do with them than it does with you. When people are miserable in their own skin they will do everything they can to get under yours. Do your best not to let them.

Set Your Boundaries

If you perform or create content online, it’s likely that you will encounter cyberbullying in some form throughout the course of your career. Sometimes the hateful comments will bother you and sometimes they won’t, but either way it’s important to let people know you will take action if they disrespect you in any way. Set clear rules for your room and let members know you are not afraid to enforce them if they step out of line.

Don't Feed the Trolls

This can be a challenge, especially when your first instinct is to lash out and tell haters right where they can go. But it’s important to understand that internet trolls do what they do because they crave attention. They feed off of it, so let them starve.

Ban, Block and Report

Just because you have chosen a career in the spotlight doesn’t mean you have to take anyone’s abuse, so don’t. If someone starts trouble in your room, ban them right away and report them to your platform’s abuse department. Take screenshots of your interactions with them as well, that way if they try to downplay their behavior or claim they were just “roleplaying,” you have the proof you need to get them banned for good.

Rely on Your “Tribe” for Support

If someone gets under your skin, don’t internalize it. Seek support from your fellow peers, whether it’s via social media or model chat rooms hosted by your platform. I’ve been in many model chats where someone has opened up about being bullied in free chat only to have other models chime in and say they were harassed by the same member. Just remember, you are not alone and there are far more people who love and support you than you know.

Until next time, be good to yourselves and each other.

Jackie Backman is the content manager for Cams.com. She has been working in the industry for over 12 years and specializes in copywriting and social media management. Backman can be contacted at CamsJBackman@gmail.com.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

profile

Still Rocking: The Hun Celebrates 30 Years in the Game

In the ever-changing landscape of adult entertainment, The Hun’s Yellow Pages stands out for its endurance. As one of the internet’s original fixtures, literally nearly as old as the web itself, The Hun has functioned as a living archive for online adult content, quietly maintaining its relevance with an interface that feels more nostalgic than flashy.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

Digital Desires: AI's Emerging Role in Adult Entertainment

The adult industry has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing new technology. From the early days of dial-up internet and grainy video clips to today’s polished social media platforms and streaming services, our industry has never been afraid to innovate. But now, artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking things up in ways that are exciting but also daunting.

Steve Lightspeed ·
opinion

More Than Money: Why Donating Time Matters for Nonprofits

The adult industry faces constant legal battles, societal stigma and workplace challenges. Fortunately, a number of nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to protect the rights and well-being of adult performers, producers and industry workers. When folks in the industry think about supporting these groups, donating money is naturally the first solution that comes to mind.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Consent Guardrails: How to Protect Your Content Platform

The adult industry takes a strong and definite stance against the creation or publication of nonconsensual materials. Adult industry creators, producers, processors, banks and hosts all share a vested interest in ensuring that the recording and publication of sexually explicit content is supported by informed consent.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

Payment Systems: Facilitator vs. Gateway Explained

Understanding and selecting the right payment platform can be confusing for anyone. Recently, Segpay launched its payment gateway. Since then, we’ve received numerous questions about the difference between a payment facilitator and a payment gateway. Most merchants want to know which type of platform best meets their business needs.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Reinventing Intimacy: A Look at AI's Implications for Adult Platforms

The adult industry has long revolved around delivering pleasure and entertainment, but now it’s moving into new territory: intimacy, connection and emotional fulfillment. And AI companions are at the forefront of that shift.

Daniel Keating ·
profile

WIA: Sara Edwards on Evolving Clip Culture and Creator Empowerment

Though she works behind the scenes, Sara Edwards has had a front-row seat to the evolution of adult content creation. Having been immersed in the sector since 1995, she has a unique perspective on the industry.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

Segpay Marks 20 Years of High-Risk Triumphs

Payment processors are behind-the-scenes players in the world of ecommerce, yet their role is critical. Ensuring secure, seamless transactions while navigating a rapidly changing regulatory landscape requires both technological expertise and business acumen.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

The SCREEN Test: How to Prepare for Federal Age Verification

For those who are counting, there are now 20 enacted state laws in the United States requiring age verification for viewing online adult content, plus numerous proposed laws in the works. This ongoing barrage has been exhausting for many in the adult industry — and it may be about to escalate in the form of a potential new AV law, this time at the federal level.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How to Master Team Dynamics for Business Success

Having the right team in place is everything. Whether getting a startup off the ground and thriving, or safeguarding an established company, the right — or wrong — people can mean the difference between a successful venture and a failed dream.

Juicy Jay ·
Show More