Beyond the Screen: The Real-World Impact of Cyberbullying
By Ankita Tripathy
11 September, 2024
Technology
A Malaysian TikTok influencer, Rajeswary Appahu, known online as Esha, died in July 2024. Before her death, she reported online harassment and threats on the platform. This sparked a debate: how does cyberbullying affect mental health?
Because screens are a constant in our lives in the contemporary digital era, cyberbullying has grown to be a significant and alarming issue. People can now connect and communicate in various ways thanks to the internet.
However, it has also encouraged undesirable behaviors like cyberbullying. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can occur at any time and any place, which makes it more difficult for victims to escape.
Because of the anonymity and accessibility of the internet, cyberbullying can cause much more harm than good. It can lead to severe emotional distress, social isolation, and even suicidal ideation.
Though awareness of cyberbullying is growing, it remains a significant problem that requires quick attention.
Comprehending the real-world effects of cyberbullying is crucial for devising effective preventive strategies and providing assistance to victims.
By bringing this issue to light, we can make the internet more inviting and safe while fostering empathy and awareness.
Understanding Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying, a form of harassment or intimidation using electronic communication, has become increasingly prevalent in today’s digital age. It can take various forms, including:
- Harassment: Sending abusive, insulting, or threatening messages.
- Threats: Making direct threats of harm or violence.
- Impersonation: Creating fake profiles to spread rumors or humiliate others.
- Exclusion: Intentionally excluding someone from online groups or activities.
- Sharing private information: Posting or sharing private or embarrassing information without consent.
Cyberbullying can impact adults as well, but it is more common among youth. According to studies, a sizable portion of adults and teenagers have, at some point in their lives, dealt with cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying can have serious, far-reaching effects. Emotional pain, emotional isolation, and academic difficulties are possible for victims. Additionally, cyberbullying occasionally triggers suicidal thoughts or even attempts. If victims disclose the bullying, they could also run into legal issues.
The Psychological Impact: How Does Cyberbullying Affect Mental Health?
The mental health of victims of cyberbullying can be severely damaged, and this can result in a variety of psychological problems. The most frequent outcome is depression.
A victim’s self-esteem can be damaged by the unrelenting assault of taunts, threats, and humiliations, making them feel worthless and helpless. This may show itself as depressive symptoms, a lack of interest in activities, and trouble focusing.
Anxiety is another prevalent mental health condition linked to cyberbullying. An ongoing source of worry and tension might result from the fear of being targeted online.
Physical symptoms that victims may encounter include perspiration, an accelerated heartbeat, and trouble falling asleep. Furthermore, ongoing internet inspection might make anxiety disorders already present worse.
Depressed self-worth is yet another common outcome of cyberbullying. Victims could experience feelings of inadequacy, humiliation, and shame.
They could struggle to build healthy relationships with others and have self-doubt. A skewed perception of reality and a bad self-image may result over time. Even more serious consequences may arise from cyberbullying in the long run.
Substance abuse problems may be more likely to develop in victims as a coping mechanism for their emotional distress.
Furthermore, there is a correlation between cyberbullying and a higher likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Additionally, it might be challenging for victims to envision a route out of their suffering due to their ongoing inner upheaval and social isolation.
The Role of Social Media and Technology
I was scrolling through YouTube last week and found this video where a man went around asking people “how does cyberbullying affect mental health.” Most of the answers were related to social media. And hey, that is not entirely incorrect!
Social media platforms and technology have played a significant role in the rise of cyberbullying. These platforms provide a means for individuals to connect with others online. Still, they can also be used to spread harmful content and harass others.
Let me explain how:
- Messaging apps: Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram Direct can be used to send harassing or threatening messages.
- Social media networks: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok can be used to create and share harmful content, such as memes or posts that target individuals.
- Online forums: Anonymous forums can provide a safe space for bullies to spread misinformation and harass others without fear of consequences.
How Anonymity and Bystanders Add Fuel
The anonymity that the internet offers is one of the things that fuels cyberbullying.
People can readily engage in destructive actions without worrying about being discovered when they can utilize pseudonyms or create anonymous identities. Bullies may say things they would never say in person if they were anonymous.
When it comes to instances of cyberbullying, bystanders are vital. They have the option to assist the victim by stepping in or by choosing to ignore the bullying.
Unfortunately, many onlookers say nothing because they are afraid or don’t care. The victims may feel alone and alone as a result, which can have a terrible effect.
Motivating onlookers to denounce cyberbullying and reporting instances to the appropriate authorities is critical. Moreover, in addition to offering assistance, bystanders can support victims and help them deal with the psychological pain of bullying.
Policies and processes can be put in place by online platforms and schools to encourage bystanders to report instances of cyberbullying.
Prevention and Intervention Strategies
To effectively address cyberbullying, a multifaceted approach is needed that involves education, parental involvement, school policies, and the responsibility of online platforms.
Education
Firstly, education is one of the most important tactics for stopping cyberbullying.
Educational institutions, parents, and internet platforms must collaborate to inform adolescents and adults about the perils of cyberbullying and the significance of maintaining online safety.
Education initiatives can support people in identifying and reporting instances of cyberbullying, adopting safe online conduct, and growing empathy for others.
Parental Involvement
Secondly, when it comes to shielding their kids from cyberbullying, parents play a huge role.
They must keep an eye on their kids’ internet activities, have a conversation with them about the risks of cyberbullying, and establish firm guidelines and limits for internet usage.
Additionally, parents ought to urge their kids to tell an adult they may trust about any instances of cyberbullying.
School Policies
Schools can implement effective policies and programs to prevent and address cyberbullying. These may include:
- Cyberbullying prevention curriculum: Incorporating cyberbullying prevention education into the school curriculum.
- Reporting mechanisms: Establishing clear procedures for students to report cyberbullying incidents.
- Consequences: Implementing appropriate consequences for students who engage in cyberbullying.
- Bystander intervention programs: Encouraging students to intervene and report cyberbullying incidents.
Online Platforms
Finally, online platforms are responsible for creating a safe and welcoming environment for their users. Additionally, they should implement measures to prevent cyberbullying, such as:
- Reporting tools: Providing easy-to-use reporting tools for users to report cyberbullying incidents.
- Content moderation: Actively monitoring content and removing harmful or abusive material.
- User education: Providing educational resources to help users understand and prevent cyberbullying.
- Accountability: Holding users accountable for their actions and taking appropriate measures against those who engage in cyberbullying.
Combining these strategies can create a safer and more inclusive online environment for everyone. Furthermore, it is essential to address cyberbullying at all levels, from education and parental involvement to school policies and the responsibility of online platforms.
Step Up to Create a Safe Space
After Esha’s death, the Malaysian government is looking into criminalizing cyberbullying and increasing accountability for online behavior.
While it will not be able to bring the influencer back, it will help us to save hundreds of young adults who fall prey to cyberbullying every day, every second.
While we all know how does cyberbullying affect mental health, there are times when we tend to forget how much of a serious issue it can be, with devastating consequences for victims. It can lead to severe mental health problems, social isolation, and academic difficulties.
To effectively address cyberbullying, a multifaceted approach is needed that involves education, parental involvement, school policies, and the responsibility of online platforms.
It is crucial to recognize the importance of creating a safe and inclusive online environment for everyone. By preventing and addressing cyberbullying, we can protect vulnerable individuals and promote a healthier and more positive online experience.
I urge readers to take action against cyberbullying. Report incidents to authorities, support victims, and advocate for stronger anti-bullying laws. Let us work together to create a world where everyone feels safe and respected online.
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