Cyberbullying

Internet cyberbullying, also known as online bullying, is the use of electronic communication technologies to intentionally and or repeatedly harass, humiliate, threaten, or harm another person. This can include sending abusive messages, doxxing, spreading false rumours.

Many of these actions can be hurtful to victims and often involve posting embarrassing or inappropriate images and videos, spreading false rumors, and creating fake profiles or accounts to impersonate or harass someone, parody accounts can also likely be negatively perceived.

Cyberbullying can occur across many social media platforms, individual domain names, messaging apps, online gaming communities, and other internet forums. Some of it will be hidden from public view but much is shared to a wider audience. Because the internet provides anonymity and a sense of distance, cyberbullies have detailed how they were emboldened to engage in behavior that they would not engage in face-to-face interactions. The difference between online and offline behaviour can be stark in some instances and greater understanding of modern online social interactions is something which can be educated on.

Cyberbullying often has serious consequences for victims which can include anxiety, depression, social isolation, academic and work problems, and in some extreme cases, suicide. It is therfore critically important to take steps to prevent cyberbullying, such as reporting incidents to social media platform moderators, blocking or unfriending harassers, and educating oneself and others about respectful online behavior.