Just about that stream of criticism on Insta

I open my Insta feed and see a few delightful pictures of a radiant Victoria Koblenko who is on a midweek vacation with her husband. A little bit jealous, I like the photo and want to write that they should enjoy themselves together, until my attention is drawn to a few comments. Apparently, others feel the need to accuse Victoria of going on vacation without her little one and that she is neglecting Kiy.

I feel a strong dose of anger followed by sadness: since when is it okay to judge each other so harshly and unfoundedly? I scroll down and see a beautiful photo of Yolanthe Cabau with Xess Xava plus a whole bunch of hashtags in which she is already covering herself: he is indeed still wearing a diaper, sometimes even a pacifier, and he is comfortably wearing a T-shirt instead of pajamas. Given the comments she sometimes receives, I completely understand why she does this, but isn’t it actually ridiculous that this has to happen?

The world of Insta-moms is a tough one. I wonder: are these ladies who love to criticize others themselves perfect mothers? Do you dare to say the texts you write down so thoughtlessly right in someone’s face? It certainly doesn’t have to rain only silly compliments on social media; constructive criticism only makes someone better, of course.

But not only the famous moms have to face the music on social media. When I occasionally take a look at Famke Louise's account, I just feel nauseous: the amount of misery she gets thrown at her would have been ten times a reason for me to quit. Did celebrities ask for all that criticism, as some claim? Is it permissible because they are famous? Let me reveal one thing: it hurts these people just as much as when Emma from Appelscha receives a load of nasty texts on a Tuesday morning, even before her coffee break.

I am very curious about the documentary by Famke Louise that comes out this Sunday on Videoland, in which the social media topic is extensively addressed. I genuinely wonder how these ‘haters’ think. Do they really feel a lot better after they have completely torn someone down digitally? Can I give those people a sincere tip? Put all that energy and time into your own life and kids instead of judging others like that. From now on, think just a little longer before you jot down that verbal diarrhea on Instagram. In fact: try looking at something positive and give a compliment once in a while. Believe me, you’ll get twice as much energy back and you’ll also earn some karma points.