Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is agressive behavior in the online environment with the intention to hurt a victim emotionally or mentally, as physical hurt is not an option. As technology immerses itself further into the lives of individuals, unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can follow a victim anywhere through a cell phone or computer (Holladay).

Background

While traditional bullying is not a new concern, the emergence of cyberbullying brings to light many new methods of harassment and questions about solutions to stop the hurtful behavior (Feinberg).

Cyberbullies feel they do not have to face the consequences of their actions in the online environment and often say things they would not normally say in person (Feinberg).

One environment in particular where ramifications of cyberbullying are seen is in schools, as any form of bullying is most commonly displayed between children and adolescents. This generates discussion of ethical responsibility because the act of cyberbullying does not occur in the school, but the effects are very evident in the environment (Feinberg).

The idea of cyberbullying can also be extended to include hurtful tabloid talk and exploitation of celebrities.

Ethics

Bullying in any form is considered an unethical action. Because of the pervasive nature of technology in people's lives, a very efficient outlet for harassment is created in a technological environment with the birth of social networking sites and other communication portals.

Cyberbullies

Characteristics

Cyberbullies share many of the same characteristics as those of traditional bullies. Both parties are know to have poor relationships with parents or guardians.

Cyberbullies are also more likely to:

• be victims of traditional bullying
• be frequent and daily internet users
• be involved with harmful substances
• be responsible for other delinquent behavior (Feingberg)

Motivations

Cyberbullies find many different reasons for their actions:

• protection of another friend under attack
• establishing power by instilling fear
• invincibility through anonymity
• technological manipulation skills
• boredom
• attack of a weaker peer (Feinberg)

Victims

Victims of cyberbullying are most commonly vulnerable members of the population being examined. They are often also victims of traditional bullying. They often experience isolation or exclusion from other peers because of a lack of popularity or other factors. Victims often suffer from depression, anxiety, and low self confidence (Feinberg).

Because of these factors, victims are more likely to experience cyberbullying because they seek attention and/or acceptance from peers and hence are easier to manipulate. They are also apathetic in observing internet safety strategies, in relying on their parents for guidance or help, and in reporting abusive situations (Feinberg).

Effects

The main effect of cyberbullying is significant emotional hurt. Victims have trouble in school, including poor concentration, poor class performance, and tardies or absences because of low self confidence, depression, and anxiety (Feinberg).

Because cyberbullies are commonly anonymous, victims can become hypersensitive and paranoid in their environment (Feinberg).

Some serious documented effects include violence, severe dysfunction, and even suicide (Feinberg).

Legislation

While over a dozen states prohibit cyberbullying, Missouri is the first state to authorize imprisonment for infractions (Anonymous).

Missouri was prompted to adopt a new policy after thirteen year old Megan Meier committed suicide in 2006 as a result of receiving hurtful messages via MySpace.

The case resulted in a redefining of the word "harassment" to include "electronic communication that frightens, intimidates, or causes emotional distress to another person" (Anonymous). The law was updated on June 30th, 2008.