It's 2019 and we all know how big of an impact the internet and social media has in today's world. These days, young kids are given some kind of smartphone or smart device. I've seen 5-year-olds out here with iPads or tablets.
Technology and social media are great things, but only when they're used properly. the keyword being PROPERLY. When it's given to someone with poor intentions, things can go south very quickly. This is where cyberbullying comes in.
At some point in our lives, most of us have been cyberbullied in some shape or form. Unfortunately, it's so easy to be cyberbullied these days because everyone has access to the internet and the ability to hide behind their computer screen. It can also go completely unnoticed.
Being a victim of cyberbullying, I know what it's like to see things about you that aren't true, but there's just nothing you can do about it.
Cyberbullying is one of those things that sticks with you for a long time and always kind of sits in the back of your mind. One of the worst things about it is that there are so many ways for people to do it from literally anywhere in the world. Honestly, I think this is why people seem to be so drawn to it because it is so much easier to get away with it. They're posting from their own account so there's no way to get them to stop or take down whatever they're posting.
There have been some legal changes over the years to help prevent it from happening, but it definitely hasn't stopped people from doing it.
The part that I don't understand is why people even do it. What do you get from hiding behind a social media account, harassing someone else? Does it make you feel better to tear down other people? I just truly don't understand why people intentionally hurt other people.
If I'm being honest, cyberbullying is just something that cowards participate in.
Nothing about sitting behind a screen tormenting someone for no reason shows any ounce of strength or courage. Posting stupid and unnecessary things online about someone else is just rude, uncalled for, and only make YOU look ridiculous.
The end results of cyberbullying are very bleak. For some of us, our hearts just hurt for a little whole, and it can just negatively affect you for a while. Sadly, for others, it's the last thing they'll ever think.
The bullies don't think about these kinds of things when they're terrorizing other people online. They don't think about the consequences. They don't think about the weight some people will carry because they were cyberbullied. They don't think about the horrible things people might do to themselves to deal with that pain.
As a society, everyone is consumed with themselves 9 times out of 10 so everyone only thinks about themselves and what will benefit them. No one thinks about all of the consequences of their actions.
It really all comes down to a personal decision. A decision to stoop low enough to hurt someone from behind a screen or be the bigger person and stop spreading rumors.
Bullying in ANY form is unnecessary and will NEVER be okay. It is time that we do something about it and become better, stronger people.
