Introduction: Cyberbullying
Sometimes, people find themselves surprised by human aggression, questioning whether it possesses adaptive qualities to emerge as a new threat to peace in the form of cyberbullying. Numerous events and incidents unearthed over the last decade of social media dominance affirm this transformation into a new phenomenon. Guan Ng Chaung et al., in their article “Cyber Bullying – a New Social Menace,” provide ample evidence supporting the assertion that bullying has evolved into cyberbullying, causing disruption and anxiety to victims, even leading to suicidal thoughts. They characterize it as a deliberate, repetitive, and power-imbalanced phenomenon, highlighting its prevailing rate at around 30 to 55 percent, notably high, with a rate of approximately 15 percent among school boys (106). This suggests a correlation between the increase in social media and internet penetration and the rise in cyberbullying. Julie Marie Luker and Barbara C. Curchak have echoed these elements when discussing cyberbullying’s prevalence in higher educational institutions, noting that around 41 percent of surveyed individuals reported its occurrence (145). This fact underscores its expanding reach in tandem with the growing prevalence of social media and internet usage. Over the past decade, cyberbullying has transformed from a concept into a harsh reality, posing a threat not only to children but also to vulnerable victims such as girls and women, evolving into a veritable crime.
Victims of Cyberbullying
The most vulnerable victims of cyberbullying are often children, susceptible to grooming by predators, particularly pedophiles, creating a perilous situation where escape becomes challenging. As highlighted in a report from the FBI, cited by Peter Brust, more than 20,200 cases of cyberbullying were investigated, with a staggering 10,000 cases involving the sexual exploitation of children (Brust). Recognizing the gravity of these threats, the FBI has initiated over 30 undercover operations on an international scale to identify and counter risks posed to vulnerable victims, encompassing issues such as blackmail and abuse (Brust).
Peter Brust emphasizes that these perpetrators exploit the weak privacy systems and limited technical knowledge of their victims, heightening the threat to the victims’ lives and potentially leading to suicidal thoughts (Brust). These distressing experiences manifest in the form of severe psychological impacts on the victims, contributing to conditions such as depression and heightened anxiety. The FBI’s proactive efforts underscore the urgency of addressing cyberbullying, particularly when it involves the exploitation of children, necessitating a comprehensive approach to safeguarding vulnerable individuals from the grave consequences of online abuse.
Psychological Problems in Cyberbullying
When psychological problems escalate to an excessive degree, as noted by Mustafa Sahin and his colleagues in their article “Cyber Bullying, Cyber Victimization and Psychological Symptoms: A Study in Adolescents,” the stakes become a matter of life and death for the victims, with the distress often leading to suicides or suicidal threats (57). Parry Aftab echoes this grim reality, supporting Peter Brust’s assertion by revealing that six kids have taken their own lives due to the impact of cyberbullying (Brust). Mustafa and his colleagues also emphasize the potential existence of gender variables in these situations, highlighting that, in many cases, victims, particularly young girls and women, may be unaware of the online threats they face (57).
Peter Brust, relying on statistical evidence, further underscores the vulnerability of individuals to cyberbullying, noting that the number of victims is on the rise, leading not only to psychological harm but also to physical threats or even criminal activities (Brust). Despite the proactive measures taken by entities such as the FBI through undercover operations and the existence of local laws, the threat of cyberbullying continues to escalate, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address and mitigate the devastating consequences of online abuse on vulnerable individuals.
Evidences in Cyberbullying
Parry Aftab, in collaboration with Peter Brust, draws attention to the extensive scope of cyberbullying by emphasizing her interactions with over 10,000 teens and surveys involving more than 50,000 individuals. The findings reveal a concerning trend, with 85 percent of respondents reporting the online threats they have faced (Brust). Similarly, Mustafa Sahin provides comprehensive evidence, specifically focusing on the increasing number of women and girls falling victim to cyberbullying within the Turkish context, a trend indicative of broader European and global patterns. He presents statistical data, suggesting a male-to-female ratio of 1 to 2 among victims (54).
Brendesha Tynes adds another dimension to the discussion by highlighting that the number of adult victims is estimated to be around 2 to 3 percent, but many cases go unreported due to legal ignorance or other factors (Tynes). This underscores that, while cyberbullying affects individuals across age groups, the social menace predominantly targets children and young girls, who are particularly vulnerable and more likely to fall victim to these online threats. The extensive evidence provided by these researchers emphasizes the urgent need for increased awareness, preventive measures, and legal safeguards to protect individuals, especially the youth, from the adverse impacts of cyberbullying.
Usage of the Internet and Cyberbullying
On the flip side, the contemporary reality presents a scenario where parents often find themselves lacking the time to closely monitor their children, leading to a situation where children are not always supervised during their internet use. While some parents restrict independent internet usage, Brendesha Tynes argues against an outright limitation of screen time, emphasizing the manifold benefits associated with online engagement (Tynes). It is noteworthy that, even in cases where there are strained relationships between parents or they live separately, there may be instances of responsible monitoring.
Despite the prevalent belief that most female victims come from broken families, there are instances where parents diligently monitor their children despite differences. The assertion that the increase in cybercrimes is overblown neglects the evolving nature of online communication, as Guan Chong and his colleagues point out. They stress that as online communication gains precedence over face-to-face interactions, cyberbullying is on the rise, taking on new forms and presenting threats of violence. The underreporting of numerous cases further underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of the evolving landscape of online crimes and cyberbullying, as these issues become an unsettling reality over time.
Conclusion: Cyberbullying
In conclusion, it is evident that cyberbullying has evolved into a concerning manifestation of human aggression, posing a significant threat to individuals, particularly children and the most vulnerable who may lack knowledge about technology and relevant laws. This peril extends beyond mere online harassment, as exploitation, robbery, and sexual harassment become distressingly common experiences for some victims, including girls and women. Importantly, the threat is not confined solely to vulnerable demographics, as adults are increasingly falling prey to cyberbullying as well.
The sheer magnitude of child victims is alarming, with young girls ranking as the second-largest group affected. Urgent and sustained global efforts, akin to the proactive operations initiated by the FBI, are crucial to combat this menace and safeguard the virtual realm of knowledge. It is imperative to recognize that cyberbullying transcends boundaries and impacts individuals of all ages, necessitating a united front against this pervasive issue. Only through concerted global initiatives can the virtual world be liberated from the shackles of cyberbullying, fostering a safer and more inclusive online environment for everyone.
Works Cited: Cyberbullying
- Brust, Peter. “The Predator Fear.” Frontline PBS. 22 Jan. 2008. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/safe/predator.html. Accessed 08 Dec. 2017.
- Ng Chong, Guan, et al. “Cyber Bullying – a New Social Menace.” ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 17, no. 1, Jan-Jun2016, pp. 104-115. EBSCOhost, login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=117304111&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
- Şahin, Mustafa, et al. “Cyber Bullying, Cyber Victimization and Psychological Symptoms: A Study in Adolescents.” Cukurova University Faculty of Education Journal, vol. 41, no. 1, Apr. 2012, pp. 53-59. EBSCOhost, /login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=79544815&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
- Tynes, Brendesha. “Cyberbullying Is a Bigger Problem Than Screen Time Addiction. The New York Times. 24 Aug. 2016. https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/07/16/is-internet-addiction-a-health-threat-for-teenagers/cyberbullying-is-a-bigger-problem-than-screen-time-addiction. 03 Dec. 2022.
- Luker, Julie Marie and Barbara C. Curchack. “International Perceptions of Cyberbullying within Higher Education.” Adult Learning, vol. 28, no. 4, Nov. 2017, pp. 144-156. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1177/1045159517719337.
Relevant Questions: Cyberbullying
- How can educational institutions and online platforms effectively address the issue of cyberbullying, incorporating both preventative measures and support systems for victims?
- What role can legislation and law enforcement play in combating cyberbullying, and what challenges exist in creating and enforcing laws that effectively deter and penalize online harassment?
- How do societal attitudes and digital culture contribute to the prevalence of cyberbullying, and what educational initiatives can be implemented to foster a more respectful and responsible online environment for users of all ages?
