The Keys To Understanding The Phenomenon Of Cyberbullying
Nowadays anyone can become an anonymous aggressor, who hidden behind the cell phone damages someone’s life, image and integrity. That is why today bullying is no longer limited to the realm of physical interactions, but can also exist in the virtual world of the Internet.
The term cyberbullying is contemporary to this digital age so we invite you to know what it really means and what to do about it.
There is no precise definition of what this means, although we can come close to knowing the concept as an aggressive act that is intended to inflicting harm on a person who becomes a victim, through the use of technology and specifically, that linked to the world of ICT: social networks, chats, messaging platforms, etc.
Why does this phenomenon occur?
It has been proven that the strength of social validation through the media is a great factor, that is, that action becomes meaningful when there is support from others
It even spreads outside the original sector, reaching people outside the conflict, which can be considered something “viral”.
The reasons that lead the aggressor to carry out cyberbullying may be related to:
When can we classify something as “cyberbullying”?
There are several features to know that what you suffer or someone suffers is cyberbullying:
What are the types of cyberbullying?
These are the main variants of this type of attacks :
Grooming: this occurs when a romantic relationship is established online, making the person believe that they have an emotional connection with someone, in order to manipulate and even abuse them. It becomes more common in minors.
Phishing: is classified as a cybercrime, in which a person creates a false identity of a legitimate institution to obtain sensitive data from victims and be able to defraud them.
Cyberstalking: refers to the persecution of someone over the Internet, which can become harassment.
Trolling: bullies generate conflict in hostile posts or comments on various platforms.
Happy Slapping: these are commonly posted videos where we can observe harassment and attacks on people who are recorded without their consent.
Fraping: happens when someone destroys content that does not belong to them by impersonating the creator.
What happens on an emotional level when you suffer cyberbullying?
That can be presented individually or collectively, but that without a doubt lead the person to loss of mental health It may even happen that there is a personality conflict, where the victim comes to doubt himself so much that there is no return to the way he was.
What happens on an emotional level when you do cyberbullying?
Anyone thinks that the victim is the person most affected by this problem; However, it is necessary to pay attention to the person who does it, since outside of the reasons he or she has for doing this, Things also happen on an intrapsychic level in the abuser
Cyber-aggressors tend to:
A higher likelihood of moral disengagement
Lack of empathy
Difficulties in complying with the rules
Problems due to aggressive behavior
Criminal conduct
Alcohol and drug intake
School absenteeism
What to do about cyberbullying if I am a victim?
There is a list of recommendations you can follow If you suffer from this phenomenon:
Ignore: Aggressors tend to need a response from the victim to continue their action.
Discuss it with an adult: it is necessary to make known what is happening to you.
Block the harasser: if there are many people, eliminate them all.
Complaint: there are policies on the internet where you can make your complaint, even on social networks.
Go for therapeutic support: it is always necessary to let off steam about what happened.
What should I do if I need to help someone who is suffering from cyberbullying?
Know that your response must be immediate: not many people are capable of asking for help, if someone trusts you, support them.
Respond immediately (does not mean hastily): you have to listen to the victim and look for the best solution together.
Motivate him to report: it is necessary to report the abuser at all times.
Get different perspectives: convince him to talk about the topic with someone more professional, be it his parents, psychologists, teachers or some authority.
The goal is to be able to restore your confidence.
