How Online Trolls Became Hungry for Musicians’ Vulnerability

There was a time when the social side of the internet was a haven for anyone with a creative itch to scratch. Musicians, producers, and songwriters found spaces where they could let their souls bleed onto the digital canvas, surrounded by like-minded listeners and fellow artists who understood what it meant to make something personal public. It was a rare period where boundaries felt a little softer, where the gap between audience and artist wasn’t a chasm guarded by trolls with nothing but time, bitterness, and an endless supply of derision. That era has withered. For every genuine comment or heartfelt connection made in 2025, there’s a new wave of gutter critics ready to spit venom at anyone brave enough to create. These people don’t resemble the classic “armchair critic” – they make them look polite. Musicians today offer up their emotional vulnerability for public autopsy, knowing full well that the most honest thing they could make will likely be met with vitriol. And for those in marginalised groups, the abuse multiplies. Where did the flood come from? And what does it mean for those still willing to share their work, scars and all? 1. The Evolving Landscape: From Fan […]

The post How Online Trolls Became Hungry for Musicians’ Vulnerability appeared first on A&R Factory.