Margaret McDonald | School Editor
We’ve been told to ignore cyber bulling – the insults and the mocking words, the occasional snide comment online. We’re told to turn away in the face of spite and simply take no notice. People dislike others: that’s just a part of life. But do we really understand why people bully? Do we know the reasons why someone might dislike somebody, with no apparent explanation?
Because, as impossible as it sounds, it does happen to everyone. Even those who you would think are excluded from bullying: actually, especially them. We see celebrities on a pedestal, untouchable beings, inhuman. When in fact, celebrities deal with the same trials and tribulations as us, possibly to a more intense level. Every action and word is seen, analysed by the world. And because of this, they experience bullying on a catastrophic scale. Harry Styles, one of the most famous men in the world, reacted to cruel comments with, “Why do you hate me? What have I done?”
And that’s exactly what I’m here to find out.
There are several reasons why bullying online is more frequent, and more extreme.
- Anonymity. One of the main reasons people feel the freedom to be cruel is because of the fact that there are no consequences. Online, nobody knows who you are. There is no way your bullying can get back to you. Some see this as an opportunity, whilst in truth it’s cowardice.
- Frustration. Many people are frustrated, angry or even upset by some area or several areas of their life, and feel the need to vent and rant to someone else. Admitting their personal issues is too private, and so they resort to complaining in other ways. In truth, if someone is upset, bringing someone else down is a quick and easy way for them to feel better about themselves. Misery loves company – if someone is miserable, they can’t stand to see happiness.
- Envy. You may have something they don’t. They might want it for themselves but have no way of achieving it, they might just wish to see you lose it and attack in vain attempt. But in order to deal with their feelings of inadequacy and cope with their sense of frustration, their simple jealousy, they hate.
Despite the many reasons, bullying online is one of the worst things you can do to a human being. You may see it as an outlet, a simple comment, but for others, those very words you carelessly and furiously typed will be etched into their minds eternally. And yet, there is no way to escape bullying. The act is a simple part of human nature, we attack others to hide inside ourselves. As the famous quote goes:
“To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, and be nothing.” – Elbert Hubbard.
If you feel affected by bullying in any way, then speak to a teacher you trust. Otherwise, phone Childline on 0800 1111.
