Creativity in the Internet Age: Why Harsh Criticism Is Unnecessary When Everyone Can Be a Creator

The Beauty of Universal Access to Expression

The arrival of the internet in the 1990s radically transformed our lives. For those who simply consume information, it may feel like just an increase in convenience. But for creators, the difference between a world with and without the internet is night and day.

Take amateur novelists, for example. There have always been people who write stories for fun. I still remember the shock I felt in high school when I discovered a classmate who was a film and literature enthusiast, regularly writing screenplays and novels. His handwritten stories were genuinely engaging—his ideas and writing skills were clearly exceptional.

But back then, most amateur creators had no outlet. They might submit their work to contests, but unless they won, their creations remained unseen. In essence, they were shelved indefinitely.

The same applied to manga and film. Unless recognized by the industry, a completed work would only be seen by a small circle of friends.

It’s important not to confuse lack of commercial recognition with low quality. Professionals do hone their skills through experience, but the reason a work isn’t commercialized often has more to do with market demand than technical ability.

Publishing a work costs money. If the price is fixed, creators know from the start how many copies they need to sell to break even. For example, if a novel needs 20,000 buyers to be profitable, but only 200 people are interested—no matter how brilliant the work—it won’t be viable commercially. Yet those 200 fans might adore it.

How Digital Technology Changes the Game

The combination of digital tools and the internet dramatically reduces costs. Novels and manga, once physical products, can now exist as digital files—eliminating printing, binding, and shipping expenses.

This means even if only 200 people buy a work, it might still turn a profit.

With virtually no cost barriers, anyone can publish. As a result, the volume of creative output has exploded.

Creation fulfills the creator’s need for self-expression and recognition, while offering audiences the joy of discovering something rare. That’s why I wholeheartedly welcome the internet’s role in creative culture.

Don’t Be Consumed by the Dark Side of Validation

Unfortunately, there’s a downside: the rise of critics and naysayers far outpaces the number of creators.

On social media, a large portion of posts are complaints, criticisms, or harsh reviews. For every person who says, “That movie was great!” there are many who declare, “That was awful,” with an air of superiority.

Even if someone genuinely disliked a work, there’s no need to publicly proclaim, “This is worthless. Don’t bother watching.”

Why? Because:

• It discourages creators
• It robs other viewers of potential enjoyment
• It diminishes the critic’s own character

Pointing out flaws in someone else’s work is easy. Some critics may want to show off their discernment or “protect” others from disappointment. But often, they simply lack the ability to enjoy art.

And that ability—“the capacity to enjoy”—tends to weaken the more one indulges in criticism.

Most critics are disliked. To those who enjoyed the work, harsh reviews feel like mockery: “You liked that? Seriously?” Naturally, this breeds resentment. Over time, critics find themselves surrounded only by other critics.

Why Do People Keep Criticizing?

It’s the same reason creators publish their work: to satisfy a need for recognition.

Criticism is easier than creation. If a few snide remarks earn attention, it feeds that need—and becomes addictive. This is what I call the “dark side of validation.”

So here’s the conclusion: even if you find a work boring, broadcasting that opinion does no good. Silence is often the better choice.

Mocking or condescending criticism of others’ creations is not only unkind—it’s ugly. But because the desire for recognition is so powerful, we often fall into this trap unconsciously.

We must be careful not to let our need for validation turn into habitual negativity.

For Creators: Ignore the Nitpickers

If you’re a creator, don’t waste energy on people whose goal is to tear down. You’re tackling something far more difficult than pointing out flaws.

Most of the criticisms you receive are likely things you’ve already noticed and reflected on.

Don’t join the battle of negativity. Instead, focus on the joy your work brings to those who appreciate it—and keep creating with that in mind.

I hope this perspective proves helpful.