Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a broad phrase that encompasses a wide range of online abuse, including harassment, doxing, reputation attacks, and revenge porn, among other things.

By originating or engaging in online hate campaigns, the offender uses technology such as computers, consoles, cell phones, and/or any other device with internet or social media access to harass, stalk, or abuse another person. Although the majority of media coverage portrays cyberbullying as a problem limited to social media, it is also a major issue in the online gaming community.

Cyberbullying victims frequently have no idea who is behind the accounts that are attacking them. Sometimes the victim suspects who the bullies are but is unable to prove it because trolling and bullying accounts frequently take advantage of everyone's important right to anonymity – other times, complete strangers become aware of cyberbullying and fall into a'mob mentality,' contributing to and amplifying the bullying rather than assisting the victim.

Cyberbullying is no longer limited to a single demographic — anyone can become a victim of cyberbullying in some way. 

Cyberbullying in its Many Formats:

1. Harassment

2. Doxing

3. Cyberstalking

4. False profiles

5. Account hackin

6. Revenge porn

7. Swatting

8. Cyberstalking

9. Corporate attacks

10. Slut shaming 

Why Do People Cyberbully?

They've been cyberbullied - Someone may choose to cyberbully another person as a result of their own experience with cyberbullying. They may believe it is OK to treat others in this manner, or they may believe it is the only way to express their own sorrow.

To fit in - If someone witnesses another person being cyberbullied by a group of people, they may believe that by joining, they would be able to 'fit in' or make new friends.

Cyberbullying and video games - Over the last few years, online gaming has risen quickly. This development has also resulted in an increase in the number of online gamers reporting toxicity and abuse. Online gamers can utilize a microphone to interact with other players, which can help to foster teamwork, foster friendships, and improve the overall gaming experience. Some players assault players by abusing them verbally or through text/messaging abuse.

Power - Cyberbullying may be done for a variety of reasons, including the desire to feel powerful and in control of a situation.

Home life - The culprit may be going through a difficult time at home and projecting his or her anger and frustration onto someone else. Most of the time, this occurs because the cyberbully has no one to talk to about their problems.

Jealousy - One of the most common causes of cyberbullying, particularly among teenagers and young people, is jealousy. Teenage years can be challenging since teenagers are discovering themselves and may be self-conscious about their appearance. They may compare themselves to their classmates because they are insecure, which can lead to cyberbullying and harassment motivated by jealousy.

What To Do If You Are Being Cyberbullied?

Don't retaliate - People that cyberbully others usually do it in order to get a reaction. They will ultimately become bored and move on if you opt not to retaliate.

Assess the threat - If the cyberbully is sending you threatening communications or you have reason to be concerned about your safety, you should alert the authorities. They will be able to assist you with your immediate safety as well as provide guidance on what to do next.

Talk to someone - When dealing with cyberbullying, it's critical to develop a support network of friends, family, and people you can trust. These individuals will be able to assist and support you. In times of crisis, talking to people can not only provide a voice of reason or rational thought, but it can also make you feel better by allowing you to share your thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged. If you are a young person or teenager who has been the victim of cyberbullying, you should talk to a parent or instructor you feel like confiding in. If the cyberbullying occurs at school or involves people who attend your school, a teacher should be able to assist you in properly resolving the issue.