Cyberbullying_essay
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Daystar University, Machakos *
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MISC
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Communications
Date
Nov 24, 2024
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docx
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3
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1
Cause and Effect of Cyberbullying for Individuals and Society
Introduction
According to historian Hoff and Mitchell (2019), technological advancements bring with
them both unanticipated advantages and huge drawbacks for society. This is undoubtedly the
case with technology in the classroom since, in addition to offering many opportunities and
access for learning, technology has also been used as a platform for cyberbullying, an
increasingly common type of adolescent social cruelty. Teachers are dealing with a growing
number of challenges related to keeping pupils safe at school, both in the physical classroom and
in the more hazardous virtual world that has few regulations and less supervision. By gaining
insights into the intricacies of cyberbullying, we can develop effective approaches to mitigate
and confront this detrimental conduct.
Causes of Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is fueled by a confluence of personal incentives and characteristics of
online platforms. The internet's anonymity makes it possible for offenders to act hurtfully
without thinking about the repercussions right away. People may be more willing to participate
in activities they may not have thought of in face-to-face conversations because they feel more
anonymous. Cyberbullying also involves social factors. Peer pressure, a feeling of group identity,
and the need for power and control are some of the factors that might lead someone to engage in
cyberbullying (
Livingstone & Smith, 2014). Furthermore, people may attack others online to
draw attention away from their own weaknesses due to personal inadequacies and a lack of
empathy.
Effects of Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying has a significant impact on mental health. As a consequence of the
ongoing harassment and humiliation, victims often feel mental discomfort, anxiety, and despair.
Because cyberbullying occurs online, victims may find it impossible to escape the damaging
conduct, leading to feelings of isolation and despair (
Nixon, 2014). The influence of
cyberbullying on mental health is not confined to victims. As they come to grips with their
heinous conduct, perpetrators may suffer negative psychological repercussions such as remorse
and humiliation. Bystanders who observe cyberbullying may experience emotions of shame or
powerlessness for failing to intervene.
Online and offline social relationship may be shattered by cyberbullying. In an attempt to
avoid the abuse, victims may isolate themselves by withdrawing from social media sites or
online forums. To escape the impacts of cyberbullying, victims in severe situations may even
relocate to a new school or place of employment, upsetting their personal and professional life.
Furthermore, the negative atmosphere that cyberbullying creates might weaken trust in online
groups (
Kowalski et all, 2014).. People may refrain from expressing themselves freely online out
of fear of being targeted, which may impede the free flow of thoughts and viewpoints.
Positive online communities are challenged by the prevalence of cyberbullying. Users
may be discouraged from using platforms that do not adequately handle cyberbullying because
they may have a reputation for being dangerous. It may also be difficult for online groups to
promote constructive dialogue and teamwork when abuse and hostility are rampant.
Cyberbullying has the potential to sustain a negative culture in which harmful conduct is
accepted as the standard. The general quality of the online experience may suffer and
cyberbullying occurrences may rise as a result of this normalization.
Prevention and intervention
2
A multifaceted strategy combining people, tech corporations, schools, and legislators is
needed to address cyberbullying. Education is essential in stopping cyberbullying because it
fosters empathy, good online conduct, and digital citizenship (
Henson, 2012). Children may be
taught about the consequences of their internet behavior by parents and schools working
together. Technology businesses may put policies in place to discourage cyberbullying on their
platforms and deal with incidences quickly. These might include programs to encourage
constructive interactions, content regulation, and reporting systems (
Marzano, 2015). Fostering
healthy online communities requires establishing a secure and welcoming online space.
Conclusion
The causes and consequences of cyberbullying underscore the need of a team effort to
provide a more secure and civilized online environment. Cyberbullying has detrimental
psychological, emotional, and social repercussions that make it imperative to stop and deal with
this negative conduct. In order to lessen the harmful effects of cyberbullying and create a more
positive online environment, society should cultivate digital civility, empathy, and a feeling of
accountability for online interactions.
3
References
Henson, B. (2012). Bullying beyond the schoolyard: Preventing and responding to
cyberbullying.
Hoff, D. L., & Mitchell, S. N. (2019). Cyberbullying: Causes, effects, and remedies. Journal of
Educational Administration, 47(5), 652-665.
Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2014). Bullying in the
digital age: a critical review and meta-analysis of cyberbullying research among
youth.
Psychological bulletin
,
140
(4), 1073.
Livingstone, S., & Smith, P. K. (2014). Annual research review: Harms experienced by child
users of online and mobile technologies: The nature, prevalence and management of
sexual and aggressive risks in the digital age.
Journal of child psychology and
psychiatry
,
55
(6), 635-654.
Marzano, G. (2015). Cyberbullying prevention: Some preventing tips. In
Social Media and the
Transformation of Interaction in Society
(pp. 133-157). IGI Global.
Nixon, C. L. (2014). Current perspectives: the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent
health.
Adolescent health, medicine and therapeutics
, 143-158.
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