What is the Role of Social Media in the Global Struggle Facing Cyberbullying?

By Aryahi Ravi, Annual Lead Advocacy + Inclusion Intern l Digital4Good

We have been hearing about cyberbullying for decades now. Ever since the beginning of the internet, but more specifically social media, a quick and easy method of expression has become available to the general public. Nowadays, anyone can be cyberbullied—from elementary school kids to great grandparents— and there are no definite consequences to be faced by the bully. At a young age, kids are more susceptible to being heavily swayed by negativity and hatred. Cyberbullying can turn into a catastrophic struggle in one’s life due to the bully having no hesitation and easily accessible methods of communication that social media/the internet offers. In this post, we’ll define cyberbullying, describe how it has increased around the globe over time, show how it can gravely affect mental health, and provide ways for people to stand up to bullies or seek help.

What is Cyberbullying?

According to kidshealth.org, cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person. Cyberbullying is an outlet for people to release negativity and anger by saying or doing heartless things to inflict pain. It is often motivated by mental insecurity, jealousy, or a desire to prove one’s social status while pushing somebody else to the ground.

Ever since COVID-19 took the world by surprise, the number of people spending time online increased rapidly. With jobs, businesses, and entertainment all being accessible through social media, the risks started rising as teens started becoming more and more engaged and connected on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and SnapChat. Youtube is the platform that has the most cyberbullying take place with 79% of children on the app facing some sort of harassment, whether that be through offensive videos or ruthless comments.

Why is Cyberbullying Important? Does Social Media Endorse Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is a current issue that is so crucial to raise awareness for because 20% of minors who are cyberbullied consider suicide while 10% actually attempt to take their own lives. Many people view cyberbullying as something one can easily separate themselves from but sometimes it can seem impossible without the correct knowledge, guidance, or support. 

Cyberbullying is prevalent because it comes with the same effects as traditional bullying, but since social media provides global interconnectedness, there is a lot of judgmental prejudice regarding race, image, culture, and of course, lifestyle. Cyberbullies search for anything to attack that will make them feel less alone including disabilities, eating disorders, being overweight or underweight, and anything else they deem inferior. Mainstream social media platforms such as Instagram or TikTok can get two people from opposite sides of the world in contact, but this can result in either an unbreakable friendship or a personal attack. Social media makes bullying easy for the oppressor to hide behind a facade and act unbreakable, but on the other hand it also allows people to very quickly cut off toxic relationships or bullies. It is easier to block or report someone on social media who doesn’t know much about you rather than a bully in real life who you see at school or work. 

As Selena Gomez once said, “People are going to bring you down because of your drive. Ultimately it makes you a stronger person to turn your cheek and go the other way”. Like many other celebrities, Gomez has had her fair share of haters and understands what it’s like to be disrespected through social media. People’s comments stay online forever, even if they are deleted because nothing is ever “gone” from the internet. Once something has been posted it can be deleted but it cannot be erased from the minds of others. Although social media provides many positive amenities like networking, meeting new friends, and sharing achievements, it also opens a door to vicious jealousy.

Real Examples of Cyberbullying

One of the most common forms of cyberbullying happens in the form of text through the means of comments, DMs, and open messaging. One of my own colleagues experienced cyberbullying through Instagram DMs, but was unable to take action against this bully due to the undeniable fact that people have the right to free expression. In truth, Instagram is actually deemed to be a breeding ground for cyberbullies as 42% of young teens surveyed have experienced harassment on the app. The bully would torment them by spreading false rumors, and it got to a point at which my colleague left in-person school to switch to online school. This real life example and advocate of cyberbullying shows how separating one’s self from the technology may be the best possible option to combat cyberbullying and maintain digital wellness. Click below to check out this Instagram Reel from Gage Johnson (@gage_johnson55) about the importance of unplugging, which can also be a solution to cyberbullying.

A specific and unique example of cyberbullying is “doxxing”, a process in which a person’s private information is published online without consent. This can vary in severity depending on the information that is shared. Something like a home address being leaked is much more detrimental than a photo of your dog being released, but you can never be too careful when it comes to your private information. These factors can be used against you for harassment, cyberbullying, and real-world danger. Doxxing starts off as an online threat but becomes terribly risky when it starts affecting your physical real life safety. Click below to check out Digital4Good + #ICANHELP’s Instagram post for more information about doxxing.

For digital wellness to prevail, people need to be self aware, actively choose to spread positivity, have integrity through digital citizenship, and stray away from hurting others. Other victims of cyberbullying that I have interviewed say that though parents or trusted adults are informed, they are unable to truly bring justice to the bully. This is why I think that combating cyberbullying is not necessarily an action of force, but it is a peaceful response to an immature situation.  

Tips and Reminders For Dealing With Cyberbullies

Separate yourself from the problem. Seek help if somebody is harming your mental health and causing you to be stressed. 

• At one point it’s best to step away and take part in your hobbies and interests that genuinely fulfill you. Nobody has the right to control you, and their words should not have power over you. 

Understand that the person on the other side of the screen is projecting their insecurities and emotions of inferiority.

• In general, bullying is very psychological and people only feel the need to damage others if they themselves feel attacked. It is not your responsibility to forgive or empathize with what somebody else is going through, but you should put your own morals first and avoid retaliating.

Talk to other people about their experiences. 

• Sometimes all it takes to feel better and more at peace is to know that you are far from alone. 

As you walk away, remember that social media can be a force for both good and evil; the choice is yours. If you witness something immoral, don't add fuel to the fire. Stand up against cyberbullying, always be kind, and stay true to yourself, no matter what. You never know what someone else might be going through, and you don't want to be the one who negatively impacts their mental health.

If you ever encounter harsh negativity or cruel words on social media or anywhere online, report it, discuss it, and move forward. As humans, we all have a responsibility to be digitally aware. Experiencing something like cyberbullying can ultimately make you a more compassionate and empathetic person. Always remember the golden rule: “Treat others the way you want to be treated,” both online and offline.

Citations

1. 11 facts about cyberbullying (no date) DoSomething.org. Available at: https://dosomething.org/article/11-facts-about-cyber-bullying (Accessed: 15 July 2024). 
2. Schonfeld, A. et al. (2023) Cyberbullying and adolescent suicide, Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law. Available at: https://jaapl.org/content/early/2023/02/23/JAAPL.220078-22 (Accessed: 16 July 2024). 
3. Anti-bullying quotes to slay the haters (no date) NCS. Available at: https://wearencs.com/blog/anti-bullying-quotes-slay-haters (Accessed: 16 July 2024).