Cyberbullying – The Silent Scars of Online Cruelty

Invisible Battles, Real Wounds

Trigger Warning

It begins with a negative comment. Then a screenshot. Before you know it, everyone has seen it, but nobody says anything, nobody stands up against it. In today’s modern world, it does not take bruises to break someone…. one cruel message, one meme, one “send” – these are the weapons of cyberbullying. Behind the façade of a glowing screen and anonymous usernames, there lies a real human being, shamelessly putting others down. Cyberbullying has exponentiated in proportion with the advancement of technology to become one of the most dangerous and underestimated threats faced by young people. 

 

Cyberbullying takes place behind screens, but its effects cut deep into peoples’ real lives too, a risk not only to one’s mental health, but sometimes one’s physical wellbeing as well. Victims of cyberbullying are prone to feeling isolated and detached from the world around them, thereby withdrawing themselves from participation in events within and outside the confines of their homes. It can cause great emotional stress, causing individuals to spiral into depression, anxiety and other such devastating mental health issues. Additionally, in extreme cases, cyberbullying can lead to self-harm and suicidal thoughts, both of which pose an imminent threat to one’s physical health. One’s mind bears the burden of every cruel comment, every rumour, every single insult. The scariest part about cyberbullying – victims feel trapped, as though it is inescapable. With traditional bullying, physically moving away from certain people can provide temporary relief. But cyberbullying? It stays in your pocket, the screen lighting up each notification you hear. Almost like a constant reminder that you are not enough.

 

Another consequence of cyberbullying is its rapid growth, which can be explained using Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory. According to this theory, individuals can acquire and learn new behaviours by observing others and interpreting the consequences of their actions. Bandura strongly believes that humans are active information processors, and we constantly seek the understanding of the connection between our behaviour and the corresponding consequences. As the Internet is difficult to police, most cyberbullies manage to escape punishment. Even worse, at times cyberbullies are rewarded with likes and increased engagement on their comments and posts. Viewing their behaviour and the lack of a dire consequence, more teenagers become cyberbullies, entertaining themselves by causing pain to others. Bandura highlights that during their childhood and adolescence, individuals are more likely to mimic others’ behaviours. Thus, the online world becomes a stage where harmful behaviour is deemed acceptable, encouraged by cowardly, silent spectators hiding behind a screen. The Social Learning Theory reveals that cyberbullying is not always rooted in malice or hatred, it could simply be mimicry and individuals craving attention and approval.  

 

Behind every screen, there is a person with real emotions – someone who laughs, cries, hurts and hopes, just like you. A single hurtful, “funny” message may be a day of attention for the bully, but it can echo in the victim’s mind for days and even years endlessly. However, the weapon that can harm, can also heal. 

 

One cruel comment can leave a mark, but just one kind word can save a life – choose wisely!