Doja Cat opens up about her 'useless' habit of fighting trolls

The multifaceted artist Doja Cat has offered a rare, vulnerable glimpse into her digital life as the latest cover star for Vogue.

At 30, the performer addressed her well-documented history of "clapping back" at online critics, attributing the habit to childhood insecurities and a deep-seated need to protect her artistic identity.

Despite her global success, she admitted to seeking out negative commentary, describing the process as a complex search for validation of her own internal criticisms.

“I feel like I have to defend my creative choices, and then I give those people power even though they could be anybody — they could have Cheeto dust on their fingers and have no job," she told the outlet.

This defensive reflex stems from a feeling of being threatened. "When I feel that I’m threatened, even though it may not be a threat at all, it rhymes with: You are failing," she explained.

Regarding her mental health, the singer revealed in a candid TikTok post on 13 March that she is struggling with borderline personality disorder, or BPD. She noted a lifelong habit of pretending that everything is okay until it eventually caught up with her.

Seeking out hate can feel validating as it confirms existing self-doubts, giving a false sense of being in control. Ultimately, the artist views her online skirmishes as a useless way to spend her time, entertaining a part of herself that remains stuck in the past.