Trolls are users who deliberately provoke, insult or stir up conflict online – often anonymously and with the aim of getting a reaction. Hate comments are their most common form: derogatory remarks about appearance, body, origin or private life, body shaming or even threats.

Models and influencers are affected particularly often because they show themselves and their bodies in public. Even if it’s hard: trolls want attention – the most effective response is usually not to reply (“Don’t feed the trolls”).

How to protect yourself:

• filter comments and block certain words
• block and report accounts
• temporarily limit comments
• document insults and threats with screenshots, date and profile link

In Germany, insults, threats, defamation or incitement to hatred can be criminal offenses. You can file a report with the police online. Organizations such as HateAid offer free support to victims of digital violence.

And most importantly: hate comments say more about the sender than about you. Get support if they are weighing on you.