Sjava speaks on the impact of social media criticism on musicians

South African musician Java recently sparked a heated debate on social media with a tweet that delves into the impact of fan comments on artists, especially musicians.

Java expressed concern that artists having too much access to what fans think about their work could “ruin a lot of artistry,” emphasizing the dangers of negative or overwhelming feedback affecting creative expression.

“Artists having too much access to reading comments about what the fans say about them or rather what they think about their art on social media will ruin a lot of artistry especially musicians,” the award-winning musician tweeted, igniting mixed reactions from fans and social media users.

One Twitter user responded with a thought-provoking question: “Do you not believe that once musicians share their music with the public, the public then has a right to comment positively or negatively?”

Java acknowledged that public feedback is inevitable but pointed out that social media has heightened artists’ exposure to criticism.

“Before social media, they did comment on it, but it was amongst themselves. Artists were not exposed to their comments like it is today,” he explained.

Fans and musicians alike chimed in, with some agreeing with Java’s perspective on the toxic nature of constant online scrutiny, while others argued that public critique is part of being an artist.

Artists having too much access to reading comments about what the fans say about them or rather what they think about their art on social media will Ruin a lot of artistry especially MUSICIANS.

— Java heir (@Sjava_atm)”https://twitter.com/Sjava_atm/status/1846504420189634643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 16, 2024