First, there was the reaction to family violence campaigner Rosie Batty being named Australian of the Year. A more worthy winner of the accolade you could not find. 

After enduring what no parent should ever have to go through – the death of her son, Luke, at the hands of his father – Ms Batty went on to become the face and the voice of the push to stop family violence.

Being thrust into the spotlight was something Ms Batty never wanted, particularly in light of the circumstances. 

But in just 12 months, she has brought the insidious crime of family violence out from under the carpet and into the forefront of people’s minds. 

As she said in her Australian of the Year acceptance speech, her beloved son Luke had given her a voice.

While people were quick to get on Facebook, Twitter and media websites to congratulate the Victorian woman on her achievement, unfortunately so were the trolls who, under the cloak of anonymity, attacked her and the award judges on her receiving the honour. 

Some of the comments, particularly on the media sites, have thankfully been deleted, but other less vitriolic ones still remain.

Freedom of speech is welcome in Australia, particularly on the decision to present the award to one nominee over another, but launching a full-on personal attack on Ms Batty is nothing short of disgusting.

Later Sunday night, social media was again abuzz with comments about the on-court antics of Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios, 19, who beat Italian Andreas Seppi to become the youngest Australian Open men’s quarter finalist in 25 years.

Kyrgios’ ability is not in question. What is, though, is his on-court attitude, including swearing at members of the crowd, screaming at ball kids, line officials and umpires and smashing his tennis racquet.

While his antics rightfully drew the ire of social media users, some jumped to his defence, using his age and immaturity as reasons for his actions.

Yes, he’s young and not used to the limelight. Yes, he’s not the first professional sportsperson to behave badly. 

But Nick Kyrgios needs to remember he is idolised by many young, impressionable fans and should stem his temper.