Jennifer Zamparelli has opened up on how she feels about online trolls.
Speaking to the Sunday Independent about the recent death of Caroline Flack she said; “I have contemplated coming off social media so many times – even before what happened to Caroline.”
She went on to say how much Caroline’s death has impacted those working in the media;
“When that happened, to be honest, everyone in the TV industry was really shook to the core. Presenters were calling me saying ‘I can’t stop thinking about it’. It really shone a light on how sh*tty the industry can be – it reminded us of how vulnerable and scary it can be.”
Jennifer also revealed that she too has been a victim of abuse online and that many times she has contemplate taking a step back from social media.
The Dancing With the Stars presenter and Radio host is very much in the public eye, as she graces our screens every Sunday evening.
However, being so visible comes with risks online as she shared;
“I have had death threats, I have had people saying they want to rip my head off, I have blocked about 100 people. And for me to do that they have to be really threatening.”
She also reflected on how difficult it is to stop this wave of abuse as online is so anonymous;
“If I got a letter, which I have in the past – and it was threatening or abusive – you would go straight to HR, straight to the guards and it would be dealt with. But if I get a post to my social media account: nothing is done – but it’s the same.”
The only way she envisions there being any change is if we are no longer allowed to be anonymous online;
“People should have to give their passport details if they want to open an account. That’s when it will stop.”
