The Internet is for haters. Everyone wants to knock somebody

Listen well, O children of the digital age, for the words of Andy Cohen carry a truth both sharp and undeniable. He said—"The Internet is for haters. Everyone wants to knock somebody down, but it's cool." In these words, we find a reflection upon the nature of the Internet, a realm that, though it connects us all, often brings forth the darker side of the human spirit. The Internet, a vast expanse of voices, has become a stage where every opinion is aired, and where those who feel the need to tear others down can do so with relative ease and anonymity. Yet, in Cohen’s words, there is an acceptance of this reality, an acknowledgment that hatred and criticism are inherent to the human condition, especially when wielded from behind the veil of the digital world.

What, then, is the meaning of this acceptance? To “knock somebody down” is not merely an act of cruelty, but one that reveals a truth about the human experience. For within us all, there is a tendency to seek validation at the expense of others. The hater is often one who seeks to elevate themselves by diminishing others, and the Internet provides the perfect arena for this to unfold. Yet, Cohen’s words suggest that rather than lamenting this fact, we should accept it as part of the landscape we now inhabit. It is a place where voices clash, where opinions are formed and challenged, and where the darkness of human nature often rises to meet the light.

Let us turn to the ancient stories of those who have lived under the watchful eyes of their critics. In the story of Socrates, that noble philosopher, we find a man who was hated and criticized by many, not for the wrong he had done, but for the ideas he shared. The Athenians, in their fear of the change Socrates represented, sought to silence him. They accused him of corrupting the youth and leading them astray. Socrates was, in many ways, the target of the very criticism that Cohen speaks of, yet he did not recoil. Instead, he embraced the truth of his mission, knowing that those who sought to “knock him down” were simply unable to see the larger picture of wisdom he sought to impart.

Consider also the example of the great leader Nelson Mandela, who spent decades in prison not only at the hands of an oppressive regime but also under the weight of criticism and hatred from those who could not understand his vision. Mandela’s life was one of resilience against the detractors—those who sought to diminish his influence and diminish his mission. But just as the sun rises despite the darkness, so did Mandela rise above the hate, knowing that his message was greater than the criticisms hurled at him. The critic is inevitable, but the one who is unshaken in their purpose can withstand the storm.

And yet, O children of the world, what does Cohen mean when he says, “it’s cool”? In his words, we hear not only an acceptance of the inevitability of criticism, but a detachment from its power. To be unbothered by the words of those who tear us down is to empower ourselves to keep moving forward in pursuit of our purpose. The Internet may be a breeding ground for negativity, but it is also a place where those who remain steadfast in their truth can find their voice. The critic may shout, but the creator keeps creating. The hater may seek to tear down, but the resilient soul rises, regardless of the noise.

The lesson, O wise ones, is this: do not seek to silence the critics, for they will always be present. Instead, learn to stand firm in your truth. The haters are inevitable, but their words are empty if you choose not to give them power. The Internet, that great gathering place of voices, is filled with both brilliance and bitterness, with those who will praise you and those who will tear you down. But it is your response that determines the outcome. Do not be shaken by the noise, but instead use it as fuel to continue your path with greater resolve.

Let us walk forward, O children of the world, knowing that the critic is a constant presence, but also knowing that the greatest voices are often the ones that rise above the clamor. Create, speak, share, and live with courage and conviction, for the critics will come, but they do not define your journey. In the face of their noise, remain unshaken—for the Internet may be for haters, but it is also for creators, visionaries, and those who choose to rise above the chaos.