Individuals develop
their social skills and achieve a sense of being connected by interacting with
others face to face. With today’s technology many individuals, especially
adolescents and adults in their early twenties tend to substitute face to face
contact with devices or networks. At an awkward stage in life, teenagers turn
to cellular devices and social networking sites to either connect or isolate
others. Behind keyboards and touchscreens, people are at ease to let their
guard down and share their thoughts and opinions, some being not so pleasant.
It is vital to work towards deleting cyber bullying because it damages the
victim, promotes prejudice on certain topics such as race, social status, and
sexuality.
Cyber bullying
tarnishes the individual’s reputation, self-esteem, and sense of security. The
individual who is being targeted will slowly start to believe the bully’s
words. What soon starts out as a small irritation issue becomes a stress factor
as more people join in. Rumors start to
spread and others jump on the bandwagon, in hopes of fitting in and appearing
cool or staying quiet in order to avoid the spotlight. Not only does the
victim’s physical health deteriorate but so does his or her mentality health. The
victim starts to think suicidal thoughts and begins to isolate themselves from
others in fear of being verbally abused. When friends and family try to
discourage such thoughts, the victim does not believe them in fear that it is
their duty to be considerate and protect the victim’s feelings. Everywhere the
victim goes and every person he or she comes in contact with is constantly
doubted and is suspected of judging the victim.
Cyber bullying promotes
prejudice. For instance, many Christians have the reputation of being extremely
stringent and narrow minded when it comes to homosexuality. They’re seen as
people who lash out and condemn homosexuals and gay marriage but not all Christians
are like that. Some support gay marriage because they believe that God made
certain people that way and it’s okay because they’re God’s children, God’s
creature, and God has a purpose behind every decision. Cyber bullying creates
prejudice through rumors and assumptions characterized by groups of people or
traits. By eliminating cyber bullying, it puts a halt to cyber prejudice.
It is vital to delete
cyber bullying to protect the citizens of the internet and put a stop to
digital prejudice. By allowing it to continue, more and more people are harmed
and a disturbance is created in the online community and offline community.
