The Dark Side of Wattpad and the Hidden Harms on Young Girls

As someone who loves reading books, Wattpad became a favorite platform for discovering new stories. While I found some decent love stories, I stumbled upon the darker side of this online community. Wattpad, often perceived as a safe haven for young writers and readers, can sometimes be a breeding ground for harmful content. In this article, we will explore the hidden harms and the importance of promoting healthy romance and safety online.

The Harmful Content on Wattpad

One story that caught my attention was a particularly dark tale. The male lead was described as filthy rich, rude, arrogant, and a Casanova, with all the negative qualities imaginable. He was also described as exceptionally handsome, standing at 6 feet tall with impressive 6-packs. The female lead, however, was innocent, naive, beautiful, and fragile. Despite the male lead's attempt to win her over, our female protagonist did not reciprocate his feelings.

The male character took matters into his own hands and kidnapped the girl, forcing a full marriage. He then subjected her to daily torture and even sexual abuse. However, the story concludes with the girl somehow accepting this, influenced by Stockholm syndrome, and they live happily ever after. This disturbing narrative is just one of the many harmful stories on Wattpad, designed by teenage girls who may be fantasizing about toxic relationships.

Why This Matters

While stories like these may look romantic in books or movies, real-life situations are dramatically different. No one can tolerate such abusive behavior, and far too many harmful behaviors start and are influenced by these stories. The main issue is the emphasis on physical attractiveness over emotional and mental wellbeing. Young girls often develop unhealthy values and beliefs about relationship dynamics based on such stories.

Importance of Promoting Healthy Online Communities

As young women and girls, we need to be aware of the content we consume online and promote healthier, more positive narratives. Here are a few steps we can take to ensure safety and mental well-being:

Engage in Critical Thinking: Read stories with a critical eye and question their authenticity and implications. Are the storylines realistic, and do they promote harmful behavior? Report Harmful Content: If you come across content that promotes abuse or unhealthy behavior, report it to the platform. Platforms like Wattpad have grown significantly over the years and must take responsibility for the content on their site. Seek Support: If you ever feel unsafe or trapped in a real-life situation, seek help from trusted friends, family, or professionals. Mental health is important, and it's crucial to speak up.

A Call for Change

While Wattpad and similar platforms are valuable tools for expression and creativity, they must make efforts to ensure that the content is safe and promotes positive values. It is important for us as users to be vigilant and promote safe and healthy behavior. Young girls must not romanticize abuse, and their relationships should be based on respect, equality, and mutual growth. Let's support each other and create a safer and more positive online community.

So, let's come together and ensure that Wattpad is a place where young girls can find inspiration and learn to value themselves deeply. By spreading awareness and promoting healthier narratives, we can make a significant difference in the lives of young girls and help to create a safer online environment.

Stay safe and stay positive!