Cyberbullying is one of the most gruesome forms of social interaction, as it is based solely on judgement, frustration and negative behavior towards someone or something. A new study published by University Herald concludes that nearly 25% of adolescents between ages of 12 and 18 were bullied on social media.
Further research and analysis on the percentage of teens confronted with bully exposure revealed that cyberbullying is the main source of anxiety and depression among teens. The effects include withdrawal, anger and embarrassment. Those who suffer from constant cyberbullying have a tendency to show low interest for school, dropping off courses and lowering school attendance.
Bullying has been linked to increased levels of depression among teens and preteens alike. Facebook is the main source of such harmful behavior, compared to other platforms such as texting or phone calls that remain into a more private zone and don’t echo in the virtual space of interactions. Bullying is strongly motivated by social pressures, standards and the world of living images and conducts that are imposed by society.
The Co-Executive director of Bullying Canada Inc. declared that depression is a very common response to being cyberbullied and the effects can persist into adulthood, the more so the perpetrator continues their campaign beyond high school or university. This is far from being new, as we all know that in our early youth our biases and social behaviors are being shaped by everything we are confronted with, starting with social interactions. Inhibitive attitudes promoted among teens only limit the space of social development rather than shedding light on real issues or constructively debated themes. Cyberbullying is all about deconstructive critique that leads nowhere and when it does lead to somewhere, it only does harm.
Cyberbullying is indeed a very important issue of our present and it is getting harder and harder to fight it, as people rely on the misused freedom of speech concept. Researchers suggest that increased awareness through parents, teachers and communities as a hole could be a starting point to lower the problem and its effects as well.
The pain of being bullied can easily lead to disturbed sleep, nightmares and sleepwalking. Those who suffer from such effects may remove themselves from social media and other online interactions, to avoid overexposure to harmful attitudes.
Well, this research only does half of the hard work, by putting a name on the effects of cyberbullying. Depression that is, and it causes many victims that suffer from it, developing incapacities to adapt to social environments and consequently shut down communication. The root cause is called heightened social pressure, high social differences and selfish individuality promoted by advertising, media channels and virtual interaction platforms.
Image Source: winnebago.uwex.edu
