You are called all sorts of names on the internet… you are put down or someone mocks you… You are probably a victim of cyberbullying. You have options to help you to get rid of this extremely disagreeable situation. Unless… you are the one bullying someone else.
Cyberbullying is when a person or a group of persons use technology either to scare someone or to humiliate them. The side effects of these actions can be distress or lack of self-esteem, often associated with depression.
Hateful words, harassment, threats, blackmail and libel when spread using technology, are all forms of cyberbullying. These actions can be done directly (by email, chat, videoconference, etc.) or indirectly (Facebook, a web page, Flicker, etc.).
Cyberbullying can have serious psychological consequences for victims as well as legal consequences for cyberbullies. Simply transferring an intimidating message, either by Tweet, email or text message can make you an accomplice. What matters is how the victim feels and not what the intentions are of the cyberbully. When we hurt someone, it is no longer possible to simply say things like “it was just a joke” or “I did not mean to hurt”.