I was reading a post on X (Twitter) today in which a voice actor shared an anecdote about meeting another fellow voice actor and how there was immediate hostility. The VA they meant said that their voice was better than the other person’s, and the other person responded by saying how odd of a way that was to greet someone.

Now, this is the internet, so I’m well aware that someone could have made this story up for engagement’s sake. But given how the voice-acting community can be, I’d like to think it’s true. The voice-acting community can have some great people in it, but also people who punch down and do not lift up their fellow talents.

It’s gotten worse over the years, and I wanted to talk about why this has happened and what we can do about it.

The Dunning-Kruger Effect

Perhaps the best explanation for why the person in the anecdote behaved this way is the Dunning-Kruger effect. This effect indicates that those who have less skill in their field will be overly confident, while those who have experience may have self-doubts or even be humble.

While we cannot examine this person’s acting chops, many people online have pointed out that condescending voice talents have a less-than-impressive portfolio. It’s like someone heard the phrase “Confidence is key” and thought confidence was the only key to success.

This isn’t to say that there aren’t successful actors with egos; I could name some names, but it does feel like the most drama-filled, toxic folk come from Twitter accounts that lack any experience.

Projection

Another reason someone may tear others down is simple psychological projection. In truth, the person feels insecure about their own performance. But rather than look at their performances critically or improve their flaws, they may project those flaws onto someone else and claim they have them. I feel we all have done this at some point or another in our lives. You may have been upset, but you claimed someone else was upset. But some people do nothing but project instead of examining their flaws critically.

Drama Sells

Another reason why a voice actor may be toxic is because they feel like it will get their attention. Many voice talents need to grow a presence on Twitter or another social media site to get noticed. However, instead of putting the work into posting demo reels and fan projects, they try to stir up controversy by getting into fights or making the hottest takes possible.

Sadly, this does get people noticed. However, it rarely lands gigs. Or if it does, it’s with the wrong kind of people who pay little and will let you go at a moment’s notice. Unfortunately, chasing the algorithm has led many aspiring voice actors to take the “all publicity is good publicity” route.

Be Self-Aware

One thing I want to tell voice actors coming into 2025 is that you need to be self-aware, as this can solve all of the above. With the Dunning-Kruger effect, take a step back and look at your confidence and your experience.

The same applies to projection. When you accuse someone of having no talent, ask yourself, “Am I just projecting my own insecurities?”

With social media, remember that big numbers do not equal big gigs. It’s important to have a presence on your platform, but your portfolio speaks louder. Someone who has 10 followers but contacted prospects with their portfolio may have landed the gig, while someone who has thousands of followers still hasn’t gotten any work yet. The number of followers you have will not necessarily increase your chances; your portfolio, however, will.

Some people have a hard time being self-aware about their behaviors, but some may have been caught up in a funk and realize that they’re toxic once they take a step back and look at the situation critically.

Professional Voice Actors Should Be Humble, Too

Honestly, no one should be cocky and act like they’re better than the rest, even if they are on top. There are a few reasons for this.

First, many aspiring actors look up to you as a role model. You should help to bring them up, not kick down the ladder once you’ve climbed to the top. Remember, there are thousands upon thousands of voice-acting jobs. Not every aspiring VA is some competition trying to steal your work for you.

Also, the voice acting industry itself is known for its ebbs and flows. You are at the top as a professional voice actor, but all it takes is one shift for you not to find work as often. Think of various voice actors over the years who used to get lots of work, but you don’t hear them in anything much nowadays. This is despite their voice still sounding good.

The bottom line is that you should always be humble and friendly to set an example to the future generation because you never know when you’ll be on the receiving end.

Also, No One is “Better” Than Another Person

I wanted to end this by saying voice talents should never claim they’re “Better” than another person. Sure, there are more objective measurements you can make about one’s talent, but if both of you know the ins and outs of acting, one may not be better than the other. There can be an actor who has a wide range of voices, but they aren’t necessarily better than someone who has one voice that is great for a certain role.

I don’t want to end this article with it sounding too negative about the community. There has been more solidarity among actors recently, especially with the rise of AI and the fight for fair compensation. There’s been more exposure to toxic behaviors that are never good. However, we all need to stay humble. At the end of the day, we’re people who make silly voices to entertain a crowd. And that’s beautiful.