The risks of online harassment
In October 2024, six billion individuals accessed the Internet, which accounts for 68% of the global population. Around 5.2 billion engaged in social media platforms as well. The majority of business correspondence, 55%, is conducted through emails while people spend an average of 6.5 hours, or roughly a quarter of the day, online. Not surprisingly, only a minor three percent opt for face-to-face communication.
Information and thoughts are shared via screens in today’s world. Bullying is no longer confined to face-to-face encounters; cyberbullying has become a harmful type of harassment. It surpasses the limits of bullying by existing in the cyber realm, continuing to haunt victims even after the initial incident. Individuals involved in cyberbullying and those who are targeted both encounter risks that can have enduring impacts on their well-being.
While millions are still grieving the sudden death of Liam Payne, his tragic end (putting the conspiracy theories aside) has stirred up advocates for anti-cyberbullying. The mother of his seven-year-old son Bear, singer Cheryl appealed for sensitivity in a pinned Instagram post:
On losing not just a pop star
“As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being. Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend, and a father to our seven-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”
“What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day, Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.
“I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them. Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last.”
According to Digital Kindness, there are five types of cyberbullying. Trolling is “sending abusive messages to another online user to upset them or damage their reputation.” Bullying refers to the act of “revealing personal information about someone online, like their name, address, and phone number. Cyberstalking is “when someone uses the Internet or other technologies to stalk another person online to make them uncomfortable.” Harassment is “the use of the Internet to bully, threaten, harass, or embarrass people.” Flaming is “repeatedly posting intimidating insults to people online.”
Unlike bullies who typically confront their targets face-to-face, cyberbullies usually hide behind a screen, feeling empowered by the anonymity it offers.
Wanted: Safe spaces
Feelings of shame and distress are frequently reported by victims. A study from the Cyberbullying Research Center points out that victims commonly struggle academically as a result of the stress they face. Persistent feelings of despair may even trigger thoughts of suicide. It is crucial for schools and communities to establish safe spaces; however, due to the reach of the Internet, victims might find it challenging to break free from their tormentors.
Pop idols and celebrities are easy targets for cyberbullying. BTS member Suga was cyberbullied after he admitted to drunk driving. Thousands of his fans organized a “Purple Walk of Love” in Makati recently to publicly show their support for their idol and to protest cyberbullying.
Singer Guy Sebastian used his platform last month to call out cyberbullies in the aftermath of a 12-year-old victim who took her own life. He created @TheSebastianFoundation to help the youth learn the necessary coping skills through the Open Parachute Program, a peer to peer program developed by psychologist Dr Hayley Watson.
Popular YouTuber and influencer Saffron Barker spoke about Liam Payne and online bullying. “I just want to reiterate again how important it is to be kind to others and to also realize that people online do actually have feelings. They are actually real human beings. Jumping on a trend to hate somebody or to say they’re cringe … I felt so bad for him. Everything he does, people take the piss … the way he was dancing, the way he was talking, the way he was meeting people. People are just so quick to judge, so cruel, would do anything for views. Anyone will just jump on a trend,” she lamented.
Lasting impact of bullying
The lasting impact of bullying can linger with victims for a time to come. There’s a chance that images or messages shared might come back at any moment and keep causing them distress. This sense of being unable to break free can make victims feel stuck, in a cycle of sadness and loneliness result in lasting wounds.
The bullies themselves are also at risk of facing consequences! Taking part in acts can have social and legal repercussions for the perpetrators as well as the victims involved in these situations online and offline alike. Many young people might not fully comprehend the lasting impacts and outcomes of their actions when engaging in bullying behavior because they might believe that their online interactions don’t carry weight or consequences. However, research shows that students who participate in bullying activities are more likely to encounter challenges, like struggling or turning to substance abuse and even getting involved in illegal activities later in their lives.
Many bullies experience a sense of excitement when they intimidate others that can lead to a pattern of hostility and emotional detachment. This conduct could transform into a concern that impacts interpersonal connections and psychological well-being. Youngsters who engage in bullying might encounter difficulties with self-worth. Or use domination over others as a way to conceal their vulnerabilities.
Support services, like counseling programs, offer a place for both victims and aggressors to work through their emotions effectively and safely in order to encourage empathy and recovery.
