Internet Bullying – Why is it so Popular with Adolescents Today?
The Internet has been a helpful tool for many individuals. However, for many children it has simply been a tool in which bullies can prolong their torture. Internet bullying has become more popular in recent years due to a number of factors including the growing popularity of social networking and video sites. So, why is this practice so popular?
It Allows for Anonymity
Bullies now have a way to become anonymous. That means that someone who may not be popular, strong or your typical bully can now gain power through the Internet without having to suffer the repercussions. More and more students are turning to the World Wide Web in an effort to humiliate and hurt those who they feel have done them wrong or who are weaker than themselves. The best part of all this is that is allows for someone to be completely masked and free from the consequences that would normally accompany such acts.
There is a Larger Window of Opportunity
School only lasts for a certain amount of hours each day and provides students with many vacations and breaks. This means that a bully’s power is limited by these time constraints. However, with Internet bullying the window of time in which a bully can harm their victim is limitless. The Internet is open 24 hours a day and seven days week, enabling a bully to spread rumors, lies, and pain whenever they like.
It is Viral
Another reason that so many bullies have turned to the Internet, is because they are able to reach a greater number of people in a relatively short amount of time. For instance, a video can be posted on YouTube for people around the world to view, and if it is popular it can easily get over a million hits in a 24 hour period. This allows those who choose Internet bullying to humiliate a person not only in their local area but around the world as well.
Internet bullying is a severe problem that is causing many victims anguish each day. It is now almost impossible for those being targeted to escape from the scrutiny and harsh words of their aggressors.
