Just search for any random video on YouTube, it could be something as non-threatening as a cat jumping in a box, and it’s guaranteed to have one thing in the comments section: messages of severe criticism and blatant hate.

* If you create any online content (it could be as simple as a Facebook post, tweet, or blog), chances are someone has attacked you and/or what you’ve created. It happens to me often.

* Social media is creating a growing number of keyboard thugs. People, most of whom are anonymous, writing things they would never have the guts to say in person. Instead, they hide behind avatars and aliases.

* What is most disheartening is that even though most of these “commentators” are only seeking a platform to express anger (most likely coming from another place in their life), their words destroy confidence and shame many good-willed people into ending whatever new content they’ve begun producing.

* Don’t let them stop you!

* Keep doing your thing. We need more creators (and fewer critics).

* Don’t amplify their negativity at the expense of your positive.

* Ignore them! As a matter of fact, ignore most of your critics. Instead, know who you create for and get better at connecting and seeking opinion from them.

* Focusing your emotion on people who don’t know you destroys your soul and does nothing to improve on what you create.Paul Carrick Brunson is an international television personality, 2013 NAACP Image Award nominee, Huffington Post blogger and the world’s first African-American male matchmaker and relationship coach. His best-selling book It’s Complicated (But It Doesn’t Have to Be) is in stores now. Contact him directly through PaulCBrunson.com or fb.com/PaulCBrunson or twitter.com/PaulCBrunson