Cyberbullying involves acts that aim at harassing or harming people using information technology. Perpetrators use intimidations and communications that are meant to harm the reputation of the recipients. The acts could be conducted by manipulation, intimidation and humiliation of the victims of cyberbullying. There are chances that a cyberbully could or could not be familiar with their target. They may solicit the involvement of other online users to contact the intended party. Cyberbullying include actions such as attacking victims on social media, excluding them from online groups on purpose, using information technology to spread rumors and making online threats (Smith et al. 376). Perpetrators carry out the aggressive and unwanted behavior deliberately. Cyberbullying has a likelihood of being repeated over time.
Causes
Cyberbullying acts have turned out to be rampant among the young people due to increased use of internet and technological communication devices. The platform has been created by widely spreading internet connections. Reported cases of high-profile incidences like intimidations and suicide incidents have increased awareness of cyberbullying in the society. Specific characteristics associated with internet and mobile phones have increased the likeliness of the platforms being exploited for deviant intentions (Smith et al. 378). Electronic bullies conceal their identities by use of fictitious names in the chat rooms, momentary email addresses, and other accessible online venues. Lack of supervision during electronic forums also contributes to cyberbullying since recipients and senders are the only people who can view messages sent. Mobile phones are inseparable from their owners and hence perpetrators use them as platforms of spreading their malicious intentions (Sabella 19).
Social Media
Currently, a high number of young people use internet connections to socialize, play games and as search engine. Approximately 95% of young people aged between 12 and 17 years are active online users and spend a lot of time in social media. Cyberbullying is one of the main risks that they are exposed to when socializing online. Children and teens that use social media, especially, Facebook, have experienced harassment, threats and intimidations over the past years. Some have managed to ignore them while others become victims. Anti-gay bullying on Facebook page was the most severe case experienced on social media. Pictures of murdered homosexuals were posted online. Many comments were made with the intention of encouraging killing sprees against gays, gay teen suicides and death threats (Willard 13).
In Gaming
Online games provide platforms for perpetrators to commit cyberbullying acts among the users. Young adults who like enjoying violent video games are likely to be executors of the malicious acts or victims. Sexism is prevalent in gaming culture. Sexual harassment in gaming includes stereotyping of gender responsibilities, insults that target women and hostile languages (Smith et al. 380).
Harmful Effects
Cyberbullying has many severe consequences to the victims. They develop low self-esteem, increase suicidal ideation and suffering from emotional responses like depression, anger, frustration and retaliation. Victims of cyberbullying can also start to avoid their acquaintances, family members and regular programs enabling perpetrators to achieve their primary objectives. The acts are severe forms of psychological abuse, and victims are likely to suffer from mental disorders (Smith et al. 384).
Prevention
Laws that are meant to curb the malicious acts should be implemented. Legal measures should be taken against the perpetrators to discourage cyberbullying. Awareness should be created to ensure that society is well informed about the possible platforms for the malicious acts and its harmful effects. People should avoid disclosing personal information online to prevent perpetrators from accessing their confidential details. Online users should also avoid chat rooms and sites that have a potential of encouraging cyberbullying acts (Peterson 65).
Works Cited
Peterson, Judy Monroe. How to Beat Cyberbullying. 1st ed., New York: Rosen Publishing Group, Inc, 2013.
Sabella, Russell A. “Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats: Responding to the Challenge of Online Social Aggression, Threats, and Distress.” The Prevention Researcher, vol. 14, no. 5, 2007, pp. 19-21.
Smith, Peter K., et al. “Cyberbullying: Its Nature and Impact in Secondary School Pupils.” Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, vol. 49, no. 4, 2008, pp. 376-385.
Willard, Nancy. “Cyberbullying: Q & A with Nancy Willard.” The Prevention Researcher, vol. 14, no. 5, 2007, pp.13-16.