It’s no secret that cyberbullying on social media is rife. A wealth of research shows that much like in-person bullying, online bullying comes hand in hand with a host of unwanted consequences and effects that can linger for years after the harassment stops. 

Celebrities are a common target. Living life in the public eye means they attract more attention online and, therefore, are more likely to face cyberbullying. In addition, people may view public figures as immune to online abuse, or worse, not as “real people.”

However, for these four celebs, the cyberbullying was all too real. 

Adele

No one took it easy on Adele when she shared news of the birth of her son. The superstar singer took to social media to announce the baby’s arrival, only to be greeted by a host of threats and insults. 

Jokes about Adele’s weight, postpartum depression, and even murdering the baby followed the announcement, with Twitter users reaching new lows.  

Perhaps wisely, Adele chose not to feed the trolls and instead continued focusing on her already successful music career and her new family. 

Tom Daley

The UK diver and Olympian faced a spate of online hate and vitriolnafter he finished a synchronized diving event but failed to place. Users on Twitter and other platforms attacked the athlete’s performance, made jokes about his father’s recent passing, and targeted Daley’s sexuality.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Daley is more vulnerable to online abuse. Thankfully, a host of charities and anti-bullying organizations spoke up on Daley’s behalf. Several Twitter users faced legal consequences after making physical threats, and a 17-year-old was arrested.

Taylor Swift

An outspoken anti-bullying advocate, the songstress was a victim of bullying during her elementary and middle school years. Music lovers need only listen to her 2006 debut album to hear how bullying shaped her early years. 

Later on, as one of the world’s most successful recording artists, Swift faced cyberbullying from users on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok leveling abuse at the star for no apparent reason other than a dislike of her music. 

As Swift said: “Bullying doesn’t have to hurt you. It can strengthen you.” 

Cheryl Cole

UK reality TV star and singer Cheryl Cole has faced more than her fair share of online abuse, and she’s on a mission to share her story in the hopes of helping others in a similar situation. 

Cole once said: “In the last few years, I’ve been bullied on Facebook and Twitter. It’s evil and very public. People judge my appearance and hair, and say that I look fat.” A prime example of people viewing celebs as mere characters as opposed to real people with feelings.

Of course, Cole has legions of fans who stick up for her in comment threads, but these aren’t enough to mitigate the real damage cyberbullying can cause. 

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that has the potential to cause great pain. If you are being bullied online, please reach out for help and know that you are not alone.