Meghan Markle and Prince Harry open up about the impact of online trolling.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry (opens in new tab) opened up about online trolling in a recent video call (opens in new tab) with young leaders of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust Network. Meghan and Harry spoke candidly about the destructive impact of some social media platforms in front of four people who have built online networks to create positive change. They said, "Given the reach these platforms have and the way they encourage trolling behavior, ...... You can either train people to be cruel or you can train people to be kind," said Meghan. 'It really is that simple.'

The Sussexes spoke with four digital change agents: recent Oxford graduate Vee Kativu, who launched a YouTube channel to improve access to higher education for people from marginalized communities, Empowered by Vee launched the Vee Conference. Brighton Kaoma is a social entrepreneur who founded the Agents of Change Foundation, which trains young journalists. [Princess Meghan told the group, "With COVID and the lack of human interaction now that we are so dependent on our devices, the mental and emotional wellbeing of all people is perhaps more vulnerable than ever. People are going online more than ever to feel community."

Kativu says, "I created the online community because I wanted young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to know that you are seen, you are heard, you are talented, you are amazing, no matter where your dream goal or college is, you can go there and do well, you I wanted them to know that they don't have to change," he said. Johnson, on the other hand, spoke of his work to provide young men with positive role models who are not afraid to be vulnerable, explaining that "in doing so, they don't lose their masculinity, but they gain more of their humanity."

Kaoma discussed the risks of sharing fake news online and the importance of understanding your audience. Thomas spoke about our shared responsibility to combat online hatred, commenting that "if we only blame the tech platforms, we are actually removing our ability as human beings to make a difference."

Prince Harry concluded that courage is essential to creating a better digital environment.

"Prince Harry concluded that courage is essential to creating a better digital environment.