Social media will always have two sides of the coin: one where truth is expressed and another where lies run rampant. And for golf influencer Paige Spiranac, the misfortune of experiencing the darkest side of the virtual world arrived after participating in the Internet Invitational.
This past Tuesday, November 25, the influencer decided to share what she had endured on her Instagram account, where she revealed that there had been an overwhelming number of death threats. It is far too easy to hide behind a mask, which in this case is the anonymity of social platforms.
The last week and a half is probably the worst hate I’ve ever received in the ten years of me doing this.”… “I’m talking tens of thousands of death threats, people telling me to kill myself, the most vile, horrendous stuff you could ever say to an individual, that’s been in my DMs to the point where we were discussing me having to potentially get a restraining order. I mean, it’s serious stuff. It’s not easy, and it hasn’t been easy.
Spiranac said.
An immediate action for Paige Spiranac’s mental health
In response to this wave of aggressive and disproportionate comments, the influencer has decided to take time away from the virtual world to safeguard her mental health. Her more than five million followers will now go without her content for a period of time.
I know people are wondering why I haven’t posted or why I haven’t talked about it, I just needed to remove myself for my mental health.
Paige said, adding.
One thing that I really struggle with is wanting to be liked and accepted, and I don’t want anyone to ever dislike me, and I always try to do everything I can to have people like me, and so, it’s just hard for me as a person with how I process things and then obviously the situation has not been easy either, but luckily, having a good support system, family around and just trying to stay distracted.
The issue that triggered the problem for Spiranac
On the ninth hole, Spiranac cleared the grass that was obstructing Malosi Togisala’s shot so he could aim more cleanly. Afterwards, her opponents confronted her, saying the action was not allowed.
The influencer began to cry, explaining that she did not know the rule that applied in that moment. Since the shot was ultimately missed, the matter did not escalate further and was resolved.
I am painfully, painfully embarrassed that I did not know this rule.”… “… I would never intentionally cheat. In all my years of playing golf, I have never been accused of cheating.
She said in an Instagram Story, adding.
There were so many cameras on me, to blatantly cheat with that many people around, that many cameras around would be insane. So, I made a mistake, learned now that it was a rules infraction, and I’ll never do it again.
In the end, Paige’s team lost the match, compounded by her teammate’s issue, and the duel reached a dramatic conclusion on the 18th hole.
It’s been an interesting week and a half, but I just want to thank everyone for reaching out, asking me how I’m doing, all the support, really means so much to me.
Those were her words for the people who showed concern during the difficult days she endured.
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