Cyber Bullying – The Curse of New Age Technology

The technological abuse

With the emergence of technology, computers, laptops, tablets and Smartphones have become a part of our everyday life. Today, literally no individual can stay without these gadgets. The communication sector has revolutionized in the past few decades sort of shrinking the whole world. The internet web has enabled the far ends of the earth to connect with each other just at a click of a button. The social media networking has further helped the people to connect with each other from different locations of the globe, know about themselves and establish a friendly bond for a lifetime. These sites and platforms have even helped the people find out long-lost friends and family members and brought them together again. But along with the benefits, the new technology has come along its curse too. And that curse is cyber bullying. It is a form of a cyber abuse that is deliberately used in a hostile manner to harass and threaten other people. With the increased use of technologies, cyber bullying is also on the rise.

The Menace

This problem has become an increasing menace, especially among teenagers. Cyber bullying comprises the use of text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing images, videos, websites or fake profiles. Individuals who are cyber bullied are at times bullied in person as well. Additionally, it is sometimes pretty hard to get away from being cyber bullied since the source is unknown and cannot be restricted by us. It can happen 24*7 and can reach a person even when he or she is alone. Vulgar messages and photos can be posted anonymously and can spread out rapidly to a very wide audience. It can be difficult and sometimes impossible to trace the source. Erasing improper or pesky messages, texts and pictures is extremely hard after they have been posted or sent.

The Mental Impact

Though the social media sites, themselves do not promote these kinds of activities, but they are utilized as a tool to carry out such horrendous work. Kids and women are the main victims of cyber bullying. It can lead to major negative impact on the mind. Teenagers or kids who are victims of this appalling crime can undergo behavioral changes like the sudden and extensive use of alcohol and drugs, tendency to skip school, experience in-person bullying, unwillingness to attend school, have poor grades, lower self-esteem and erratic health problems.

Another form of bully

Cyber stalking is another form of cyber bullying. It may include false allegations, uncomfortable observation, making threats, identity theft, and damage to data or equipment, the solicitation of minors for sex or gathering information in order to harass. Women are the main victims of cyber stalking.

The aftermath

It can be as threatening and frightening as any other type of crime even though there is no physical or verbal contact with the stalker. Victims of this crime can experience extreme psychological as well as emotional reactions. It can result in changes in sleep patterns, depression, anxiety, anger, paranoia, shock and disbelief.

Precautions and steps to be taken

If anyone is a victim of any of these two bullying patterns, they should not keep it to themselves. The help of family members, close friends or professional counselors cope with this issue. Legal help should be taken, as this should be reported to the cyber security cell departments of the police so that the culprit can be traced out and apprehended at the earliest. Parents should be open with their children and monitor their social activities from time to time especially if they are underage. Proper scrutinisation and protection of your email and personal data be taken care-off so that they are not hacked and used abusively. Hence, with little caution and awareness you can protect yourself and your loved ones from cyber bullying.

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