The cyberbullying menace

The internet connects people from all over the word; one survey shows that one  third of relationships begin online. Unfortunately, not every online interaction is positive. This cyber playground has its bullies. Awareness of cyberbullying has risen significantly in the last few years, though it’s likely as old as the internet itself. Most, however, still manage to browse the web without experiencing any of this.

A teen receives online hate mail on a word processing application.

“I’ve never been personally attacked online,” says Isabella Young Mee Choe. “People just aren’t upset by me.” Could it be that the secret to avoiding online abuse is to be completely void of personality traits or opinions? If so, Isabella will remain safe for a long time.

“Online, people say stuff they’d never say to your face,” according to junior Colie Deusenberry. Another DHS student anonymously admitted to sending hateful messages online to a complete stranger.

“Yeah, he’s just some blogger,” they explained, “but he reminds me of this guy I hate in real life.” This indicates that some cyberbullies use verbal aggression online for cathartic purposes. Is this fair to their victims? “Well, the guy I message sometimes does have occasional suicidal thoughts, according to his blog,” continues the cyberbully, “but he was like that before too.”

Cyberbullies are emotional vampires, sucking their prey dry. Thanks to Assemblywoman Nora Campos, though, California law has expanded the definition of cyberbullying to include bullying that takes place on social networking sites. Suspension and expulsion are now possible, even for incidents that occurred outside of school. It may build some people up to tear others down, especially when the nature of the communication prevents you from seeing its full effect on your prey, but the scars you can leave may never heal.