CYBERBULLYING- A DIGITAL MENACE TO SOCIALIZATION

The current generation is of digitalization where people can meet and communicate on digital platforms. Even though there can’t be any physical interaction between people but technology enables people to keep in contact with each other.

Today, anyone can share information and put their opinions on any issue on digital platforms through social media. Social media websites are the place where people meet, become friends, and interact with different people. Due to social media websites, socialization got a heavy boost and it narrowed the gap of communication distance between people.

When people from different backgrounds gather at a place then it is natural that they put their opinions on certain topics that might be offensive to some other individuals due to which resistance between social media users occurs and group formation takes place. Ultimately, those who got offended by a particular statement try to out trash the one who gave a statement on the social media platform.

Sometimes, this results in virtual fights between various groups, and those who are passive they are bullied. In urban language famously known as ‘trolling’, a group of people trolls an individual either to defame or hurt emotionally. This trolling further results in cyberbullying where an individual is threatened and inflicted with pain emotionally.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying without any physical interaction where a certain person is bullied because of either difference in opinions or difference in actions on the social digital platform. The main focus of the preceptors will be on how to spread negativity around the victim so that the person gets low emotionally.

Why cyberbullying is done?

• There are people who want more attention in society so; they involve themselves in virtual fights in order to be recognized digitally.

• Some seek revenge to fulfill their grudges against someone.

• To defame someone digitally so that their popularity reduces and affects professionally.

• Some use this as a way to earn money illegally and try to mug money from the victim.

Effects of cyberbullying

• It gives rise to cybercrimes in society.

• It challenges the various organizations to deal with the digital hazer who obstructs their work.

• It becomes a potential threat to social media users who are using that platform for socialization.

• It also affects digital businesses on social media platforms.

There are many people who join social media to draw inspiration, motivation and to avoid depression in life. When these types of people are surrounded by negativity due to bullying then it adversely affects their lives.

Legally, bullying by any means is punishable and socially it must be discouraged. Statistically, there are many people who get into depression due to cyberbullying, and those who face the extreme form of cyberbullying commit suicide.

It is observed that that the persons who are involved in cyberbullying tries to suppress or dominate victims by blackmailing or put them in a compromising position on the social digital platform.

As you all know, data on the digital platform is like ‘ a wildfire in the dry forest’ which engulfs everything that comes in its way. Similarly, a piece of information released on social media spreads within the split of a second.

Is there any way to suppress cyberbullying?

Yes! If there is a problem then the solution must come along with it, the only thing we have to do is to recognize that thing and act accordingly. If someone is a victim of cyberbullying then they must inform this matter to the individuals who are close to them.

Initially, they might be uncomfortable but trust me those who truly care about you eventually come around and stand with you whoever the person is against you. If the situation worsens and you feel that it shouldn’t be discussed with anyone depending on the privacy, it is better to move through a legal way.

The best legal way is to report to the cyber cell department which also ensures your privacy under the privacy act. Always remember one thing, it is quite easier to run from problems but at last, at some point of time you have to stop running and when you will stop running, you will feel that all these time you have wasted your time while running because even though time passes but the obstacle which you faced remains the same.

The best way to deal with is to take your time regarding that issue and make a plan to deal with it so that your interests don’t cause harm to others.

Despite strict cyber laws, there are still many cyber crimes which are left unseen as they are some loopholes in cyberbullying laws. There are many victims who have fallen to death due to cyberbullying. It is high time to make amendments to such laws so that no one has to take an extreme step to protect their honor.

As a social media user, it is the personal responsibility of all, to respect the interests and thoughts of other users. If someone feels offended then they must deal with those issues privately with that respective user and ask them to apologize politely if they are wrong.

Moreover, it is the duty of other users to discourage people who are involved in cyberbullying. Social media is a wonderful platform where literally everything is possible to achieve and the users are making it possible to achieve by exploring it in an innovative manner. Now it depends upon us how we maintain its sanity.