The Modern Problem of Cyberbullying

 

In this technology-saturated era, communication and trade have moved online and with the pandemic, we will see an increase in the number of people who use online platforms for their everyday activities which hitherto relied on other physical materials. This has various advantages and has greatly accelerated the process of the entire world becoming a global village. However, it is also important to note that scammers, frauds, unethical hacking, and cybercrimes are on the rise. One of the major problems faced in virtual spaces is cyberbullying. It is not a new phenomenon but with more of our everyday interactions going to be virtual, it is important that we know what it is and how we are to handle it.

Cyberbullying refers to the practice of bullying over digital devices such as phones or laptops, and electronic means such as via text, SMS, or on social media and public forums. It is also known as cyber-harassment and is akin to the kind of bullying one might experience at school, only on a different platform and potentially much more dangerous. A cyberbully uses technology to threaten, harass, ridicule, or embarrass an individual or a corporation. This is done by sharing harmful or false content about them or posting things designed to hurt or demean someone else. Some cyberbullying behavior that goes off-limits is considered criminal and is taken as a serious offense liable to police action. Living in a society in which more than half of its members use social media platforms, sharing photos, videos, and other personal content online has become a very common thing. However, one should be cautious of this data being misused, particularly when not just our friends or followers but even strangers are able to access this information. Online forums and chat rooms were the spaces where cyberbullying was most rampant. But now it is social media platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and others that top the list for the greatest number of cyberbullying cases.

One of the challenges when dealing with cyberbullying is our lack of awareness about it. Very often, people tend to dismiss or sideline these issues when they first appear. However, it only aggravates with time and usually leaves a permanent mark on the reputation and image of the person once he starts engaging with it. Such harassment via electronic means will only increase with more of our time spent online and it is necessary that we take note of it. If left to itself as a problem that will go away in time, cyberbullying can have long term consequences, destroying a person’s mental health, making him feel helpless, information, photos, and details being sold for money, manipulating public opinion, and destroying careers. It is difficult to combat it since the bullies usually remain anonymous and it is difficult to ascertain what their range of activities have been.

If you become a prey to cyberbullies, one of the first things you can do is to draw attention to the issue, speak about it with others, and seek professional remedy if necessary. Report it to authorities. Also try to not keep engaging since that only leads to them having more bait to agitate us. Keep a record of everything that happens in that space so that you will have proof even if they take down whatever they had done or posted. Let others know what is happening and seek their support as well. This is a crime that can be fought together if we are vigilant and willing to be there for each other. Let us make sure that cyberbullies are held accountable and removed, and that the internet is a safer and more welcoming space for all people.