Who Knew the Cost of Free Speech Would Be Two Sleepless Nights and an Identity-Shaking Racist Backlash

An Instagram post by @cosmic_truths_by_shweta recently prompted our team to reflect on how social media conversations can influence both public discourse and mental well-being.

The story began with something many Canadians have likely experienced but rarely discuss—network connectivity in parts of Mississauga, one of Canada's largest cities.

On her way to a workout and meditation session, she recorded a short video sharing her experience and asking a simple question about a public service she relies on.

The video wasn't political.

It wasn't controversial.

It was simply one person sharing a concern.

Within hours, however, the conversation had shifted.

Instead of discussing network connectivity, hundreds of comments focused on something entirely different.

Her skin colour.

Her clothing.

Her hair.

Her appearance.

Her identity.

The issue itself became secondary.

Over the following 48 hours, every notification became another decision: respond, ignore it, or continue protecting her own mental well-being. Although she continued with her daily responsibilities, the experience came at a personal cost, including two consecutive nights of lost sleep.

For our team, this became more than a social media story.

It became a reminder that public conversations have real human consequences.

Even when we understand that opinions expressed online do not define our worth, our nervous system can still respond to repeated criticism, hostility, and personal attacks as genuine sources of stress.

This experience raises a broader question about the way we communicate online.

When someone raises a concern about a public service, why does the conversation so often shift from the issue itself to the identity of the person speaking?

At CliniQPath, we believe healthier communication begins when we focus on ideas, engage respectfully, and remember that there is a human being behind every screen.

What are your thoughts? We'd love to hear your perspective.

Readers Voice

• Should speaking on a public issue cost a citizen?
• Yes
• No