Brisbane Lions star Dakota Davidson has made a bold decision to step back from social media, revealing the emotional toll that online abuse has taken on her life. The 26-year-old forward, who has faced relentless attacks on her appearance, is now prioritizing her mental health over public exposure.
Davidson’s decision to reduce her social media presence follows numerous nights spent crying herself to sleep. The derogatory comments reached a point where she sometimes dreaded playing on the field. This year, she decided to take action, seeking guidance from a psychologist and requesting the Lions to limit the online photos they post of her.
Confronting Online Abuse
Davidson’s struggle with social media abuse isn’t isolated. The issue of online harassment, particularly towards female athletes, has been a growing concern. Davidson explained, “Playing footy, you know you are there for someone’s entertainment … but at the end of the day, I go to bed and I cry myself to sleep sometimes just based on the comments.”
By unfollowing AFL-related accounts and asking for fewer photos to be shared, Davidson hopes to mitigate the impact of trolling. “We are not animals in a zoo. We are players and people and we have feelings and families,” she emphasized.
“Last year it got to the point where sometimes I couldn’t think of anything worse than going out onto the field and being called these names.”
Finding Strength and Support
Davidson shared her journey and newfound strength as part of News Corp Australia’s Can We Talk? campaign, in partnership with Medibank. Reflecting on her past, she recalled feeling “petrified” when she cut her hair short five years ago. Yet, the positive feedback she received was a source of relief.
“I got used to getting called ‘sir’, or ‘young man’ after I cut my hair short, and it never really bothered me,” Davidson said. “I was quite OK with that. I was finally proud of the person I’d become.” However, the scrutiny intensified as her profile grew in the AFLW spotlight.
The abuse peaked after the Brisbane Lions’ Grand Final victory in 2023, where instead of celebrating, Davidson found herself inundated with derogatory comments. This prompted her to file a formal report with her club, highlighting the gendered abuse faced by female players.
The Power of Community
In response to the abuse, Davidson found solace in her support network. Her club, teammates, and fans rallied around her, providing a safety net of encouragement and understanding. “I talk a lot to the girls in the team, and the Brisbane Lions have been super good in throwing their arms around me and making sure that I’m mentally OK,” she shared.
“My partner has been extraordinary too and my life … my mum often gets online and tries to stick up for me.”
At an open training session, the Lions fan group presented Davidson with a special book filled with their favorite photos and personal notes, reinforcing the positive impact she has on her community.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Davidson remains optimistic. She acknowledges that while public spaces can still be daunting, opening up to those she trusts has been crucial for her mental health. “I don’t really hold too many things in for too long, I think that’s the ADHD in me … I’m a big talker,” she noted.
Davidson’s story underscores the broader issue of social media abuse and its impact on mental health, particularly for public figures. Her proactive steps to protect her wellbeing highlight the importance of mental health awareness and the power of community support.
As Davidson continues to navigate her career and personal life, her actions serve as a reminder that behind every athlete is a human deserving of respect and empathy.
