When you aren't able to immediately see the response of the person you're being mean to, it makes it a lot easier to be mean to them, which is why cyber bullying has become such a problem. A kid may be shy, sweet & quiet in person, but do something on the internet that they don't approve of and you'll be typing your rebuttal through silent tears of anger and rage. I have been a victim of this type of behavior, and I know a large number of others have as well.
I've gotten a couple on YouTube videos ranging from "That's stupid" (thanks for your well thought out critique, asswipe) to something along the lines of "You're an ugly dog... who taught you how to dress?" (umm... whatever. F you *runs away crying*.) Who in their right mind clicks through thousands of videos simply to insult someone? The videos we posted were mainly for friends & family members, so the fact that anyone else ever saw them is a friggin miracle. Not to mention that my younger cousins were really excited about the videos they helped me make, until you showed up and started being a terrible person.
I have also experienced this, believe it or not, in the professional world. I have received emails from customers (actually mainly one in particular) insulting my intelligence, and personally attacking me for simply being the bearer of bad news. I guess people think it's okay to shit all over the "pee-ons" of a company. I really shouldn't even have to stress how incredibly unprofessional that is.
YouTube & emails can all be bad, but Facebook seems to be a breeding ground for hateful words & comments. I have seen two people (who are friends offline) say terrible things to one another on Facebook. I have seen family members insult other family members. Oh, and I'm sorry people... but when you post a vague status about someone who is pissing you off without using any names, people are ALWAYS going to find out who you're talking about, including the person who it's about, & that makes you a passive aggressive jerk (also quit fishing for attention).
So what can we do to fix this? THINK before you comment. Think about the repercussions of your words before you press enter, & if you see someone else being a jerk or a bully on the internet, call them out on it & tell them to quit it. Chances are, most of the other people reading will agree with you
and stick up for you.
When it gets to a point where children and teenagers are actually dying because of this, something has to be done. As active Facebookers, Tweeters, YouTubers, Bloggers... etc, we need to be there for those who are being bullied, and report the ones doing the bullying.
Here are some statistics:
- Nearly 43% of kids have been bullied online. 1 in 4 has had it happen more than once.
- 70% of students report seeing frequent bullying online.
- Over 80% of teens use a cell phone regularly, making it the most common medium for cyber bullying.
- 68% of teens agree that cyber bullying is a serious problem.
- 81% of young people think bullying online is easier to get away with than bullying in person.
- 90% of teens who have seen social-media bullying say they have ignored it. 84% have seen others tell cyber bullies to stop.
- Only 1 in 10 victims will inform a parent or trusted adult of their abuse.
- Girls are about twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying.
- About 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online. More than 4 out of 10 say it has happened more than once.
- About 75% have visited a website bashing another student.
- Bullying victims are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider committing suicide.
Source: http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-cyber-bullying
This shit needs to stop.
RIP <3
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