The internet has presented the human race with lots of benefits. However, even with its benefits, it also has some disadvantages, an example is cyberbullying. In this 21st century where everyone uses the internet, cyberbullying has become a thing. People face different types of threats in the online space daily. From cyberattacks to cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying is bullying carried out in the online space. This can pose a lot of damage, emotionally, physically, mentally, and otherwise. With the advent of various social media platforms, socializing with people worldwide has become easy. This in turn can become a problem.
People can use these social media platforms to bully one another online. In this article, we will be discussing the concept of cyberbullying and how it is carried out. The effects of cyberbullying on individuals will also be discussed.
Let’s get started!
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Understanding Cyberbullying and Its Impact: Cyberbullying 101
Cyberbullying is also known as online bullying. It takes place using digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and any other device that uses the internet. Just like physical bullying is harmful and is frowned upon in society, cyberbullying is also detrimental to an individual’s mental and emotional health, as well as their physical health.
This also refers to the use of messaging, posts on emails, or social media to upset or frighten someone. Cyberbullying can occur anywhere and at any time. People are bullied online every single day. It can also take place on any platform, such as messaging apps, social media platforms, and gaming apps.
These acts can come in various forms. Which include spreading lies about a person online, threatening a person, identity theft, or generally embarrassing a person online.
It can even come in the form of insults passed off as a joke or saying hurtful things to someone online. People go as far as posting videos and pictures that are intended to make someone feel bad about themselves. Thereby attacking a person’s self-esteem and confidence in themselves.
Sometimes, cyberbullying can be a continuation of physical bullying, especially in the case of high school and college students. The fact that cyberbullying happens online is a big problem because the internet never forgets. When these acts are carried out online, it’s difficult to completely pull it down if not handled properly.
Additionally, cyberbullying can be carried out anonymously. The individual performing the bullying online might hide his identity. This leaves the person who is being cyberbullied wondering and trying to discover who the culprit is. This can be very stressful and exhausting.
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Understanding Cyberbullying and Its Impact: Effects on Victims
Going through cyberbullying can be an ugly experience for an individual. Its effects can be disastrous and overwhelming especially when the individual tries to handle everything on their own. Some persons who have experienced these acts are known to have gone through depression, panic attacks, real fear, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts.
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#1. Fear
Irrespective of the age of the person being cyberbullied, he or she is bound to experience some sort of fear and panic. In the case of high school students experiencing cyberbullying. They mostly go through academic struggles, trouble concentrating in class, withdrawal or avoidance from school activities, or even quitting school.
According to a study conducted in 2019 by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance System (YRBSS), about 15 percent of students have been cyberbullied within the previous 12 months. This study means that this demographic of people is at a high chance of being bullied online.
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#2. Difficulty in sleeping
Cyberbullying can lead to lasting negative effects in individuals, whether young or old. It can lead to difficulties sleeping which can lead to health issues later on. Individuals who are experiencing cyberbullying may turn to hard drugs or other substances for short-term relief. The use of these substances can cause lingering health issues in the future.
#3. Suicidal thoughts
In the worst-case scenario, cyberbullying can cause individuals to have suicidal thoughts. Cyberbullying generally causes mental issues, which might lead to the individual having eating disorders or headaches due to the amount of thoughts going through their minds. It is also easy to know if a person is facing cyberbullying. The person might exhibit signs such as being more withdrawn, socializing less with friends, consuming less screen time, and appearing angry during or after digital device use. The individual might start showing no interest in activities that they used to love or can even start voicing out their dark thoughts. These signs and more are pointers to ongoing cyberbullying.
However, there can also be other factors that can make a person react in these ways. Therefore, it is important to investigate further to be certain that it is truly cyberbullying so you can know how to go about offering help. Cyberbullying is far more damaging than we realise. The most important step to stopping this unhealthy act is to get the right knowledge. Educating yourself on the different forms of cyberbullying and how to overcome it is essential. This knowledge can be passed down to people around us thereby increasing awareness.
Wrap-Up: Understanding Cyberbullying and Its Impact
The lifespan of a cyberbullying act might be very short. It might just last for a few minutes, but the trauma can last throughout a lifetime. That is if the trauma is not properly attended to. It is advisable to report cyberbullying activity from anyone at all to someone you can confide in. This is mostly for the benefit of the person who is being bullied.
Any trauma or negative feeling a person feels after a cyberbullying act should be attended to and taken care of. You can employ the services of a therapist or a family member you can confide in. By talking to someone and taking care of these feelings, you are eliminating them to prevent them from affecting you in the future.
If you are someone who would like to help people overcome the threats of cyberbullying, present yourself as someone who is approachable. So that people can easily come to you without having the fear of being misunderstood or judged.
