Say no to cyber-bullying Psychology Essay Research Paper

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Say No to Cyber-Bullying
Cyberbullying is a significant problem in the modern-day world. Digital technology has allowed people to acquire or have access to devices that can be used for communication on a global platform. The most common digital device today is the mobile phone. Using a mobile phone, one can take live pictures, videos, or post messages and opinions on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. However, these digital devices and online platforms have also become tools for bullies. In society, characters are always the same everywhere. Before the emergence of the worldwide web and consequent digital technologies, people used to be bullied at school or in the streets. However, in the present-day, one only has to post something on an online platform to expose themselves to bullies. According to recent research in psychology, cyberbullying can be prevented and controlled by encouraging people to seek other avenues to create friends and help victims cope (Wolke et al. 901). Hence, in this paper, the author discusses how cyberbullying can be prevented and how victims can deal with its effects.
Cyberbullying becomes prevalent as a result of unhealthy social networks. These harmful social networks can be at the school level, at work, or in the general media. However, it is at school where cyberbullying is most prevalent. As recent movies and TV shows have revealed, students, especially those in their teenage years, are more likely to be perpetrators or cyberbullying (Hinduja and Justin 53). It is easy for some students to get bullied within the school environment because of their personalities, behavior, or sexual orientation. It is also easy for some students to bully others because they feel superior in terms of status or popularity within the school environment. An example of cyberbullying in schools is when a student is secretly revealed to be gay. In current society, being gay is something that many students struggle with, especially at the teenage age. When a student is secretly revealed to be gay, some may find it acceptable. However, some use the opportunity to attack such students on social media by posting derogatory comments, pictures, and videos that are likely to harm them. Such actions amount to cyberbullying. The effects that such a victim may suffer include low self-esteem, increased aggression, lack of respect for authorities, poor performance, and violence towards others. In some cases, this may result in such students dropping out of school (Hinduja and Justin 53).
It is important to note that cyberbullying does not only affect students. In the workplace, some people can also be victims of cyberbullying. The same applies to members of the general public using social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. Currently, one in every ten people has experienced cyberbullying in the last ten years. Out of these, 59.9% are between 14 and 18 years (Wolke et al. 901). Despite these shocking statistics, it is possible to prevent cyberbullying in society. One of the ways of preventing cyberbullying is building empathy and compassion. Every individual can feel empathy and compassion for others. If this ability can be adequately harnessed, young people, especially those...