Blogpost 3: Cyberbullies and effects

We all know how violence existed for a very long time and still stands to this day. We also know how bullying existed for a very long time and STILL stands to this day.It has taken forms such as intimidation, a slap on the head, pants pulled down, beatdowns and rumors. There is always a victim that has to keep up with these things. It pretty much makes them live in fear as that one person continues to mess with him. 

Humanity made life easier with technology. We went to the age of the internet and social media sites. We also have regular old cellphones to smartphones within the likes of the Android series and the iOS series. We have basically evolved in our lifestyle. But guess what, so did the series of neverending activities of what we call bullying. So there's this new thing. It's called Cyberbullying. 

There this article by Jerry Will and Clim Clayburn of University Business entitled The Psychological Impact of Cyber Bullying. 

They point out that, unlike regular bully victims, victims of cyberbullying are humiliated in a worldwide range within 24 hours as almost anything within cyberspace can be seen by anyone and that anything written or blurted out is virtually impossible to delete or take back such as in chats. This in turn affects their well-being, as well as academics, as it affects their self-confidence especially in class. 

They describe that "cyber bullying can be worse than the traditional school yard variety because a cyber bully can remain anonymous by posting unsigned attacks on his/her online social network."  Yes and because of that, it is more dangerous than schoolyard bullies and anything within cyberspace can be seen by anyone and consider how many people use the internet. 

In another article in About.com's bullying segment by Sherri Gordon called What Are The Effects Of Cyber bullying?, the author states that victims experience these feelings.

Victims are overwhelmed especially when many are in on the trick and because the user doesn't know who did it and may have no idea that many people participate on this act. Also, this could make them feel powerless as the victim does not have a clue on who it is and they won't be able to take action on it.

These could also invoke feelings such as disinterest, in life or school. They could also feel anxiety and depression or anger and hatred from all that. Because of these things, the victim may end up having suicidal thoughts or worse.

One of the quotes, by Liza Belkin, states that "The anonymity of the Internet has a way of bringing out the harsh, judgmental streak in strangers who would never belittle another… in person." It is true as the internet masks the bully offender so that person can hack away at cyberspace as much as he wants. Because it's cyberspace, the results are irreversible and the damages are disastrous. 

I shall end this with a picture quote.