ENIAC, abbreviated as Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, was the first programmable general-purpose computer, built during World War II by the United States. ENIAC was a dream away from the reality of a universal computer. Since then, the following generations have been welcomed into the fascinating era of Technology. The ‘pros’ of technology are known to all, from making man’s work immeasurably easier to introducing close to infinite possibilities for the future of the human race. However, it has no shortage of ‘cons’. The most widespread and pressuring of these cons, now, is Cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying can be defined as harassing victims on the internet, particularly on social media sites. This includes spreading rumours, posing threats, making sexual remarks, leaking a victim’s personal information or pejorative labelling on a digital platform.
Unfortunately, the main victims of cyberbullying are children aging from 11-18. Any type of bullying can have physical and psychological effects on a child. Anxiety, fear, depression, low self-esteem, behavioral issues and academic struggles are just a few of the challenges the targets may experience.
Cyberbullying is more to the advantage of the bully. Unlike traditional bullying—which is often limited to school and known bullies—cyberbullying can occur at any time and be perpetrated by anonymous sources. This makes it relentless and cruel, leaving the victim scarred. While cyberbullying can happen in public digital spaces, like on social media, it may also take form in private messages- blocking out all outside help and leaving the victim to manage his/her ‘secret’ alone. Under the impression that bullying is a result of their own actions, victims of cyberbullying do not share what they go through, fearing the consequences of ‘spilling the secret’.
With increasing awareness regarding cyberbullying, society is on its quest of building a safe space for all the targets and educating the youth, so that they are able to steer away from such painful situations and in turn, help another in need.
Experts have derived one magical antidote which is nearly guaranteed to reduce and maybe even completely eradicate cyberbullying in the coming years. This magical antidote is none other than ‘communication’. So easily practiced every day, one often overlooks its importance but neglects that, without it, our race crumbles and is subject to pain by its own kind.
Today, cyberbullying is highly looked down upon and offenders are even charged with a criminal case if found guilty. This, accompanied by over a 100 websites and corners of the internet supporting ‘cyberbullying prevention’ is a step towards not only protecting the bullied but also restoring empathy and humanity in the hearts of the bullies for ‘Only hurt people, hurt people’. Thus, it is preached that- “Communication is the very core of our society. It is what makes us human”.
A glimpse into cyberbullying
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