Zhalay Sarhadi speaks out against cyberbullying

Zhalay Sarhadi’s recent Instagram post has struck a chord with many, as she addresses the pervasive issue of cyberbullying with a blend of reflection and urgency. In a world currently facing severe crises—from the conflicts in Palestine to the floods in Bangladesh—Zhalay shifts the focus to a different kind of turmoil: the rampant negativity and harassment seen online.

In a long and candid video message, Zhalay articulates a deep frustration with the state of social media, noting, “All I see everywhere on social media is chaos. Everyone is out there cursing others and trying to belittle them.” She emphasises that this culture of negativity is a disservice not just to those being targeted, but to everyone engaged in it.

Her call for change is clear and heartfelt. The actor criticises the current obsession with “cancel culture” and the constant barrage of harassment even when discussing serious topics. “I recently put up a video on cancel culture and people are harassing me even on that,” she writes. Zhalay’s plea is for people to shift their focus from judging others to improving their own lives: “If there are any crises in your life, only you can do something to alleviate that suffering.”

In her post, Zhalay reminds her audience of the values that should guide their interactions. “Even Islam discourages judging people but somehow we all forget that,” she notes, underscoring the importance of empathy and support over criticism. She also reflects on the misuse of social media platforms: “Bullying and harassing others won’t do you any good.”