In an exclusive interview with MEGAStyle, Zoe Gabriel shares the value of standing up for yourself within the digital space
Kindness often appears underrated in the digital world. With digital media being an inevitable space in our lives at present, it has given every person the power to easily express their thoughts. However, the online ecosystem has overlooked its responsibility to rethink its words before calling out others. Perhaps what more people should understand is that kindness can be a good foundation of human connection, which Zoe Aaleah Gabriel agreed with as she spoke with MEGAStyle about embracing online obstacles as an opportunity for growth.
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In the face of criticism
Noting how one believes that the world is filled with genuine human kindness, deep down, we know that we live in a cruel world. This was the takeaway when Zoe Aaleah explained the most important lesson she learned so far as a new breed influencer. “I’ve learned that even though sometimes it’ll be hard, it is important to stand up for yourself, for your beliefs, values, and opinions. But I’ve also learned about the true value of being kind, how it can shape people and change lives.”
Her openly sharing this virtue in the conversation was a big wake-up call for this generation. As a young influencer who was both criticized and praised while talking about privilege definitely deserves a place in the digital space. Many would probably agree that in the face of a cruel world, we need more people like Zoe, one who has received a fair share of negativity but still sees “so much joy in new adventures.”
As for her future in the social media world as an influencer, “I’m just happy where I am now, and look forward to what tomorrow brings me,” she shares.
Virtue in accepting differences
Before she felt the impact of the public’s attention, Zoe said that she created a TikTok account because “it seemed fun and was ‘cool’ at the time.” She saw people having fun doing lip sync videos and wanted to do the same. Later on, she appreciated the space and discovered how this generation thinks.
“I feel like the thing that sets us apart would be the way we are more open to new challenges, and readily accepting of each other’s differences,” she adds as she feels that in a world surrounded by those from the Generation Z, we are currently in an era where one can easily fit in.
@zohtaco Replying to @cressy ♬ original sound – zoe 🦋
On the other hand, Zoe thinks that the reason why people have divided opinions about her online stance and content is that each person is still different. With unique experiences, perceptions, and personalities, Zoe affirms, “I think there are divided reactions because we simply experience and understand things differently [and] I believe that that’s okay. Thinking differently makes us unique and beautifully human.”
Today, she is just not navigating the digital space as part of her job, but she’s also learned how to become a public figure that exudes kindness as her strength. When asked what advice she could give to her fellow influencers, “Be firm and bold in who you are, and in a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Zoe Aaleah wanted to be the first one to tell her followers and aspiring influencers that being kind is the most luxurious thing one can be.
Are we kind?
“I definitely think that opinions and perceptions can be presented kindly. A lot of what has been said about me hurts a lot, and often I have to walk away and ground myself in things I know are true.”
On how Zoe deals with cyberbullying
It is easy to understand if she would choose to shy away from the spotlight, but this Gen Z influencer equipped with so much wisdom and empathy chose to stay. Despite all these circumstances in her rising career, Zoe’s chat with MEGAStyle proves that she loves the digital space. “I love everything about it, even the late nights and busy days, especially meeting new people and learning new things.” In the future, bits and pieces of criticism might still come her way, but at this point, she understands that “words have power and they can affect me a lot. But I make the conscious choice everyday to listen to those who know and love me for who I am instead.”
Because we live in a world where a single comment can impact one’s mental health, it’s important to note that words have the power to hurt or heal. With that, rather than to criticize, we must choose to use our voices for good, pushing for a kinder online community where everyone has their own place to grow, learn, and feel accepted.
Photos: ZOE GABRIEL
