Trigger warning: This article may contain words that may trigger the readers and survivors of this trauma. Reader discretion is advised.
Cyber abuse, also known as online abuse, is a form of harassment that occurs through digital communication channels. The rise of social media and other digital platforms has made it easier for people to communicate with one another. Still, it has also created new opportunities for people to engage in abusive behavior.
Cyber abuse can have severe consequences for victims. It can cause emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and even suicide. In some cases, cyber abuse can also lead to physical harm. Victims of cyber abuse may feel isolated and helpless, as they may not know who is behind the abuse or how to stop it.
Forms of Cyber Abuse:
One of the most common forms of cyber abuse is cyberbullying. This involves using digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or embarrass someone. Cyberbullies may use social media, text messages, or other digital channels to spread rumors, threaten, or post hurtful comments. Cyberbullying can devastate young people, who may feel like they have no escape from the abuse.
Another form of cyber abuse is cyberstalking. This involves using digital channels to monitor, harass, or intimidate someone. Cyberstalkers may use social media, email, or other digital platforms to track someone's movements, monitor their online activity, or send threatening messages. Cyberstalking can be particularly scary because the victim may feel like they are constantly being watched.
Revenge porn is another form of cyber abuse. This involves sharing intimate photos or videos of someone without their consent. The goal is to humiliate or embarrass the victim. Revenge porn can have severe consequences for victims, who may feel violated and exposed. It can also damage their reputation and cause them to lose jobs or other opportunities.
Online harassment is another form of cyber abuse. This involves using digital platforms to harass or intimidate someone. Online harassers may use social media, email, or other digital channels to send threatening messages, post hurtful comments, or spread rumors. Online harassment can be particularly damaging because it can be challenging to escape.
Cyber abuse is a severe problem that can have devastating consequences for victims. Individuals and organizations need to take steps to prevent cyber abuse and support victims affected by it. This may include educating people about the dangers of cyber abuse, implementing policies to avoid it, and providing resources to help victims. We can create a safer and more supportive digital world by working together.
Effects:
The anonymity provided by the Internet has particular implications. In most cases, the perpetrator of cyberbullying knows the target, but the victim does not always see the perpetrator's identity. This can lead to mistrust and alienation among peers.
Young people who post messages online feel less responsible for their actions than otherwise. They do not immediately face the consequences of their actions and are not afraid of being punished. Due to the nature of the medium, digital content can be shared and viewed almost instantly by a vast audience and is virtually impossible to remove altogether. Young people may be unaware that the nature of cyberbullying requires a permanent record of their bullying offenses and may affect them in the future.
Young people are often afraid to report incidents, fearing that adults will take away their cell phones, computers, or internet access.
Like other forms of bullying, it can cause stress and anxiety. This can make learning difficult for young people. It can affect your concentration level and make you less focused. This affects our ability to understand and retain information. Students being bullied may be reluctant to participate in class activities or discussions for fear of retaliation after class.
They may become distracted and obsessed with bullying and spend time thinking about ways to avoid it. Depression and anxiety can make people feel uninterested and unmotivated.
They may avoid school, complain of recurring illnesses, or avoid classes and activities to avoid bullying.
Reference:
https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-are-the-effects-of-cyberbullying-460558