You are a digital artist working on the glowing screens of social media platforms. The number of followers you have is pretty high. It is because of your ability to create works that can be described as beautiful, adorable, and thought-provoking that these followers adore your works. In reality, however, there is a darker reality hidden behind pixels and hashtags.
Your experience in the world of digital art is a dance between creativity and vulnerability. The likes, comments, and shares you get from people tell you that you matter, but as the sun dips below the horizon, a different world emerges, one where kindness is scarce and cruelty thrives.
Your digital art platform isn’t without trolls — anonymous avatars with venomous tongues. They lurk in the comment sections, their words like glass shards. Your art has even become their canvas, but instead of admiration, they ridicule it. They sneer, “Your colors clash.”. “Your talent is overrated.”
Your heart sinks with each hateful message. You never stop wondering why strangers would wound you so deeply.
They are shielded by the screen, allowing them to hurt without consequences. Though you make every effort to ignore them, their words seep into your mind and soul, gradually eroding your confidence and self-esteem. Doubts about your worth and abilities start to creep into your mind. In the end, constant criticism and bullying lead to a sad, defeated version of you, where you feel powerless and incapable of thriving.
We live in a world where social media platforms play an increasingly important role in daily life. It is clear that these technologies offer many benefits, such as allowing individuals to express themselves and connect with people around the world, but the dark side is that cyberbullying with Internet connections can have a serious impact on mental health.
Understanding Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying refers to the use of electronic communication tools—such as social media, messaging apps, and online forums—to harass, intimidate, or harm others—unlike traditional face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying occurs in places where it seems impossible for adults to be supervised and controlled. Here are some common online scams.
1. Flaming. Sending angry or rude messages electronically is known as flaming.
2. Harassment. The act of repeatedly insulting or threatening another person.
3. Cyberstalking. Threatening or intimidating someone with technology is known as cyberstalking.
4. Denigration. A denigration is a malicious rumor that puts someone down.
5. Masquerading. The act of pretending to be someone else online to harm their reputation by masquerading as them.
6. Outing: Revealing personal information shared in confidence.
7. Exclusion: Maliciously leaving someone out of online groups or activities.
The Emotional Toll
The impact of cyberbullying on mental health can be profound. Victims experience negative emotions, e.g. • Embarrassment: Public humiliation and exposure can cause intense embarrassment. • Fear: The constant threat of cyberattacks creates fear and anxiety. • Anger: Victims often feel anger towards their abusers. • Distress: Ongoing cyberbullying can lead to depression and feelings of helplessness.
The Psychological Effects
Research has shown that cyberbullying can negatively affect mental health. Here are some of the ways individuals make an impact.
- Anxiety: The fear of being targeted online can lead to heightened anxiety.
- Social Isolation: Victims may withdraw from social interactions due to fear or shame.
- Depression: Persistent cyberbullying can contribute to depressive symptoms.
- Stress: The constant vigilance required to protect oneself online adds stress.
- Self-Esteem: Repeated attacks can erode self-esteem and self-worth.
Prevention and Coping Strategies
As we navigate the digital landscape, it’s essential to address cyberbullying effectively:
1. Avoid immediate responses to cyberbullying. This is a good strategy to cope with cyberbullying bearing in mind that it is a behaviour intended to provoke, distress, or confuse the victim to elicit an emotional reaction. When faced with cyberbullying, remember that the perpetrator seeks your reaction. An effective approach is to deny them the desired response. In case of receiving offensive online comments, being tagged in unwanted photos, or encountering unkind actions, consider putting your phone aside for at least an hour. Utilize this time to create emotional space and carefully contemplate your reply.
2. Do a follow-up when you are more relaxed. It would be beneficial if you feel more relaxed after an hour. Consider returning to the online platform when you are ready, perhaps with a companion present. The objective at this point is to fully grasp the situation before reaching out to the individual responsible for cyberbullying you. Approach the discussion in a composed and unbiased manner to address the situation with the individual without allowing their behavior to affect you. They may be unaware that their actions are perceived as cyberbullying, so initiating a calm conversation is an ideal initial step.
3. Make use of screenshots. The effectiveness of screenshots in addressing cases of cyberbullying cannot be overstated. By capturing a record of the offensive content, you safeguard yourself from potential deletion attempts by the perpetrator. Moreover, the action of taking screenshots guarantees permanent documentation of the harmful communication. It is important to note that in platforms like Snapchat, notifying the other party about taking a screenshot is an automatic feature.
4. Put a stop to constant post-checking. During a cyberbullying incident, the sensation may arise that the perpetrator is nearby, loudly uttering words into your ear and craving your focus.
However, this perception can be altered. By restricting your social media usage to specific hours per day, you create intervals where the harassment diminishes. This grants you the opportunity to detach from the digital realm and prioritize self-care.
5. Send in a report and block immediately. To promote online safety, most social media platforms are equipped with a variety of tools to prevent cyberbullying and ensure user security. In case you encounter severe cyberbullying even after utilizing the reporting and blocking features on the platform, you can submit a report to The eSafety Commissioner by completing a designated form.
Before proceeding with the complaint, it is essential to have the cyberbullying evidence, such as screenshots or photos, prepared for uploading. Additionally, notify the social media service about the issue at least 48 hours prior to completing the form, gather comprehensive details on the material’s location, and allocate 15-20 minutes to finalize the form.
Understanding how to evade cyberbullying and effectively responding to such incidents can enhance your safety in online environments. Recognizing the signs of cyberbullying can also contribute to safeguarding others.
Assistance for handling cyberbullying is readily accessible. Seek support from a mental health professional, confide in a trusted friend or adult about your situation, or engage in ReachOut’s Peer Chat to communicate with a trained peer worker.
