My Naked Nightmare: a lesson in surviving humiliation | Catherine Bosley | TEDxYoungstown

Television anchor and reporter, Catherine Bosley, shares her life-changing, headline making story of surviving cyber-shaming. Her life was turned upside when she went “viral” in the worst way. With her remarkable comeback, she enlightens her audience on how to avoid such a nightmare in this day of digital everything, but more importantly, on how to rise above such torment.

Catherine Bosley’s story landed her invites to appear on shows like Good Morning America, Inside Edition, Oprah. Her name, for a while, was infamous online and off as the disgrace grew with each day all because of one moment she stepped out of character and “let loose,” in celebration of surviving a life-threatening illness.

No one knew back then, the power of our digital world to change the trajectory of a real-life world forever. In fact, we’re still learning how there’s no longer a guarantee what is meant for the moment, will stay in that moment as opposed to being documented and shared online for all to see, forever.

When it seemed to Catherine suicide was her only escape, it was her faith, family and friends to the rescue just in time. With that support, one choice at a time, she was able not only to survive, but to thrive. She took control of her life back through three federal lawsuits and reclaimed her dream career in TV news.

The trauma of coming under attack online is something even the experts don’t quite understand. In fact, Catherine believes, until you’ve been through it, there’s no way to really grasp the despair, hopelessness and self-loathing it invokes. With that, she uses her tale to both caution and inspire others as we navigate this new brand of humiliation that too often turns deadly, especially among our young people. Catherine's story serves as proof there is life on the other side! Ohio native, Catherine Bosley, is an award-winning TV anchor and reporter, author, adjunct professor and business owner. She launched her speaking/consulting/coaching business based on her most inspired lesson as a veteran journalist: everyone has a story that counts! That brought her a revelation regarding how her own life-changing comeback story can potentially make a life-saving difference for others in this “day of digital danger,” as she calls it. Her experience arms her with precious, unique insight she shares in her transformative and rewarding journey as a motivational speaker, online advocate, and through her forthcoming memoir, “The Bare Facts.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx