Trolls and Brains

The one thing (plus 24,999) that I dislike about myself is that I focus ON THE ONE. One what? The one negative critique on something I’ve done.

I find this to be true in face to face life and virtual. There can be twenty great reviews or praises, but that one negative comment I'll pick it up and cradle it like a baby, then flop it over my shoulder to carry with me. 

With my own writing, I love hearing about something that has escaped my eye. Ideas to make plots clearer. Characters that need to be better.  I don't appreciate snarky and harsh criticism that is given to make that person feel better about their self, that does nothing to help. The internet troll comes to mind on this one and they don't even deserve a response or anyone's time, on any matter. I'm not worried, yet, because I'm not famous.

I've talked about negative feedback here.

When I get feedback of any type, I make an effort to not:

• get my feelings hurt,
• become angry,
• vow to never write again, or
• take if personally.

However, it is normal to react badly to criticism. Research confirms that our brain does not receive criticism, in a positive way. Even if it is a good crit. In fact, scans on the brain when people are praised shows dopamine lighting up gray matter, but not so much when we’re being criticized.

According to this article in Psychology Today, the word "no" produces stress hormones. "These chemicals immediately interrupt the normal functioning of your brain, impairing logic, reason, language processing, and communication." This article talks about negative thinking and fear provoking words, too.

This is important to remember when raising children. Providing large amounts of negativity affects their brains. Just something I thought I'd throw in.

Here are a few links regarding your  brain on criticism:

How to handle criticism of your writing.

Why“Constructive Feedback” Doesn’t Improve Employee Performance

What Criticism Does to Your Employee’s Brains

T.