Cyberbullying: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention
As a society, we are living in uncharted territory. Our world has become more digital than ever before, with a reliance on the connectivity our devices offer to us. We can connect to family anywhere in the world with the snap of a finger. We can find answers to our questions instantaneously.
As the digital nature of our interactions grows, so do the potentially harmful effects. There’s exposure to screen time that is posing to be unhealthy for both mental and physical health. Our systems can easily become overloaded with the constant state of being “on.”
Cyberbullying has also emerged as something that is in dire need of attention. Here’s a deeper look into the world of cyberbullying.
Understanding Cyberbullying
Hiding behind a computer screen can make a person feel more invincible. As more and more people are tuned in online, there has been a rise in cyberbullying.
In its basic form, cyberbullying is using any technology to target another person. This could be for harassment, threats, embarrassment, or jokes. It is an online activity meant to be negative, mean, aggressive, or dangerous.
Nowadays, there are endless options for this behavior. You can be targeted via emails, tweets, posts, comments on posts, and text messages. It’s hard to avoid it.
Causes of Cyberbullying
There isn’t one root cause for cyberbullying, but rather several. These include:
Distance from the Issue: Online activity is easy because you can be across the world from the person you’re targeting, in a different time zone, and easily hidden. Not being able to see the ramifications of actions makes them that much easier. Plus, you’re less likely to be given any real consequences.
Anonymity: The digital world makes it easy for people to remain anonymous. You can make fake online profiles or use coded usernames. Being anonymous, you’re less likely to be held accountable.
Personal Projection: When you have a lot going on in your personal life, it’s easy to begin projecting your feelings and frustrations elsewhere. People online are easy targets since they’re not people you know personally.
Social Norms: Peer pressure can be a strong, influential force behind questionable online behaviors. A need for attention or gaining positive points with others whose opinions you value can also be motivating factors.
Consequences of Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying may appear to be no big deal, but it can have a deep, harmful impact.
Psychological Effect: Being bullied, either in person or online, can quickly lead to poor self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. When this occurs among the younger age groups, the effects can be deeper and the outcomes can be more severe.
Social Consequences: Cyberbullying and the psychological toll can lead to self-isolation, including from friends and family members.
Digital Footprint: Once you push the send button, anything you say or post online becomes part of your digital footprint. While you can try to delete your content, there’s a likelihood of it being stored in a cloud somewhere or saved by someone else. Online hardly equates to privacy.
How to Prevent Cyberbullying
Addressing cyberbullying is a complex and complicated feat. Education on the scope and consequences of cyberbullying is crucial from a young age. Teaching good online habits is key.
Be an advocate when you see any online misbehavior. Help others recognize their cyberbullying and gain an understanding of how harmful it can be.
Different content settings can be implemented to monitor or filter out negative content. Be a part of the change. Create a safe space for others online and set examples of good behavior.
Seeking Treatment
Cyberbullying takes a concerted effort to overcome. If you or a loved one are the victim of cyberbullying, it’s important to develop strategies to manage your feelings to prevent a decline in your mental health.
Anxiety therapy can be a safe space for you to process and work through any emotions tied to your online presence. Contact us to learn more about therapeutic intervention.