By; Janna Elbakouri
In an era dominated by technology, the influx of social media and digital platforms has brought a concerning rise in cyberbullying. Cyberbullying has various forms of online harassment, including sending hurtful messages, spreading false information, posting offensive content, and even stalking. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying often occurs anonymously, making it difficult to identify and hold perpetrators accountable. The after-effects of cyberbullying can be devastating, particularly for young people. It can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicide.
Pew Research states, “Teens’ experiences with online harassment vary by age. Some 49% of 15- to 17-year-olds have experienced at least one of the six online behaviors, compared with 42% of those ages 13 to 14. While similar shares of older and younger teens report being the target of name-calling or rumor spreading, older teens are more likely than their younger counterparts.” There has been a normalization of online hate. Student Remi Lekun states, “Cyberbullying can sometimes be excused because it’s funny.” Social media has become like the phrase “When in Rome you do as the Romans”. If you say something on the side of social media, you’re not a ‘part’ of it, you’re done. “Toxic comments are inevitable; someone always has something to say,” Kalen Cinat, a Freshmen at Hillgrove Highschool stated. “People have nothing better to do.” The free time our generation has not only allows us to desire screen time, but it also allows people of all ages to be exposed to so many different opinions.
It’s so easy to say whatever you want without consequence, or the physical tension of being in front of the other person. “Apps censors hate speech and ban accounts, that’s their way of helping against it,” Remi Lekun stated. Apps are doing what they can to prevent hate speech, allowing you to block, restrict, and mute accounts. These actions aren’t enough. Some might say that it makes things less fun. Humans simply love to hate.
In an era dominated by technology, the influx of social media and digital platforms has brought a concerning rise in cyberbullying. Cyberbullying has various forms of online harassment, including sending hurtful messages, spreading false information, posting offensive content, and even stalking. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying often occurs anonymously, making it difficult to identify and hold perpetrators accountable. The after-effects of cyberbullying can be devastating, particularly for young people. It can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicide.
Pew Research states, “Teens’ experiences with online harassment vary by age. Some 49% of 15- to 17-year-olds have experienced at least one of the six online behaviors, compared with 42% of those ages 13 to 14. While similar shares of older and younger teens report being the target of name-calling or rumor spreading, older teens are more likely than their younger counterparts.” There has been a normalization of online hate. Student Remi Lekun states, “Cyberbullying can sometimes be excused because it’s funny.” Social media has become like the phrase “When in Rome you do as the Romans”. If you say something on the side of social media, you’re not a ‘part’ of it, you’re done. “Toxic comments are inevitable; someone always has something to say,” Kalen Cinat, a Freshmen at Hillgrove Highschool stated. “People have nothing better to do.” The free time our generation has not only allows us to desire screen time, but it also allows people of all ages to be exposed to so many different opinions.
It’s so easy to say whatever you want without consequence, or the physical tension of being in front of the other person. “Apps censors hate speech and ban accounts, that’s their way of helping against it,” Remi Lekun stated. Apps are doing what they can to prevent hate speech, allowing you to block, restrict, and mute accounts. These actions aren’t enough. Some might say that it makes things less fun. Humans simply love to hate.
