Blogging has recently become a deeply personal space for me. It’s where I pour my thoughts, feelings, and experiences—sometimes as a way to make sense of my world, other times to connect with others who might feel the same. It is, or rather was, my safe haven. A place where my words flowed freely, unshackled by fear or judgment. But now, that sense of safety has been shattered. My worst nightmare has come to life.
When I first began blogging, I knew there were certain people I didn’t want in my space. There are always those individuals whose presence feels invasive, those who watch you quietly from the shadows, waiting for the moment to intrude. I took steps to protect myself—I tried, avoided sharing too many personal details, and set boundaries for who I wanted to engage with. But even with these precautions, someone I never wanted to be part of my audience found their way into my blog.
This person, who had been sitting silently in the background, crossed a line I never thought they would, actually I thought they might but thought the measures I had taken were solid. Today, they confronted me about a blog I shared today. It wasn’t just their questions that rattled me; it was the way they stripped me of my safe space, turning my vulnerability into an interrogation. Suddenly, the words I had shared so openly felt like weapons turned against me.
Now, I’m afraid to continue blogging. I feel exposed, like the walls I built around my inner world have crumbled. The joy I once felt in expressing myself has been replaced with anxiety, fear, and a deep sense of violation. This is the harsh reality of sharing ideas and personal experiences online: no matter how careful you are, there’s always a risk that someone will cross boundaries, that your safe space will be invaded.
Stalking, especially online, is more common than many of us realize. It’s not just about physical proximity—it’s the silent lurking, the obsessive watching, the feeling of being monitored when all you want is to be free. Social media and blogging platforms, while powerful tools for connection and self-expression, have their dark sides. They can open doors to people we never wanted to let in, making it difficult to maintain boundaries.
I’m writing this blog not just to share my experience but to remind others to prioritize their safety online. If you’re a blogger, content creator, or even someone who simply shares pieces of their life on social media, please take these steps: Some of these tips come from Strikingly site I use to blog. I had to immediately contact them so they can help me figure out how to make my site more safer and how to restict unwanted audience. Here are some tips on how we can stay safe online, while trying to make a living and tell stories as creatives.
Protect Your Privacy: Avoid sharing personal details like your location, workplace, or daily routines. Use pseudonyms if you need to. Set Boundaries: Block or restrict people who make you uncomfortable. You don’t owe anyone access to your life.
Be Selective About Your Audience: Use private or restricted modes for your content if necessary. Not everyone needs to have a front-row seat to your thoughts. Monitor Your Mental Health: If someone’s behavior is affecting your peace of mind, don’t hesitate to step back or seek support. Report Stalkers: Most platforms have tools to report harassment or stalking. Don’t hesitate to use them.
I hate feeling like this—like my life, my thoughts, and my emotions aren’t entirely my own anymore. I hate that someone took what was meant to be my space and turned it into a source of fear and discomfort. But I refuse to let this experience silence me completely. This blog was my voice, and while I may be quieter now, I won’t let anyone take it away from me entirely.
To the person who crossed the line: You may have taken away my sense of safety, but you haven’t taken away my strength.
And to those who are reading this and have experienced something similar: You’re not alone. Your voice, your story, and your safety matter. Protect them fiercely.
Stay safe bangani.
