We live in a time where technology allows us to do great things and it's all very mind blowing when you think about it. I mean just take a moment to think about how much we've evolved as a society as a result of technology and how many opportunities technology has opened up for us. It's all very bizarre and fascinating! Don't get me wrong, I'm totally pro-technology! But that doesn't mean I am pro-cyber bullying (which sane person is really?).
Cyber bullying: the act of harassing someone online by sending or posting mean messages, usually anonymously.
Wanna know something sad? In our world we have people who are so okay with cyberbullying that they don't even feel the need to protect their identity and do it anonymously. Some people are now fine with having their faces, usernames and reputation attached to these poisonous messages. It's reached a new level.
The most common way and perhaps the most powerful (not in a good way) to abuse someone online is to tell them to kill themselves. This is so common there is even an abbreviation; kys. This disgusts me. It's so gross and by no means acceptable, so let's talk about this for a second...
Why do people think this is ok? It upsets me greatly that some online users don't even think twice about sending messages of great offence to people they've never even met before. For reasons that aren't even reasons. I've witnessed people telling other twitter users to "kys" simply over a disagreement. C'mon now, has it come to the point where we aren't allowed different views? Freedom of speech?
I know there is also good on the Internet just like there is good in the world. But just like there is also bad in the world, there is also bad on the Internet. This is to be expected and I think this problem is gonna be with us for a long time, sadly trolls are not going to one day become non existent.
But why do these mean social media users believe their in ability to see someone's worth means they don't have any? How do they justify telling someone to end their life? You can get charged for that or even worse, be responsible for them actually doing just that. Why send someone hurtful things when it is much easier to spread kindness.
We all have the ability to be truely awesome and I think each and every one of us, is made for epic things. And I can promise you, telling someone to kill themselves is not one of those epic things. You were made for so much better!
Everyone already has insecurities and you never know what a person is really dealing with, so don't make things ten times worse for them. Because words hurt, they really do. It's just not acceptable. This person you're targeting could be extremely unhappy and your message could be the one thing that pushes them off the edge, I mean you never know and why take the risk.
People get tired of hearing about this but I get tired of seeing it. It's just so lame. Like let's be honest here, Cyber bullying is the lamest of lames. Not even lame in a remotely cool way. It is way more powerful, cool and effective to send someone a message that makes them smile, rather than sending them one that makes them cry.
There is a good quote which I'm sure you've all heard, "If you've got nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all". Make your choice, decide to leave your mark positively instead of negatively and just generally remember to be lovely!
Oh dear! I've never heard of this kys thingy before, but then again I am wholly behind in all aspects of life soooooo *facepalm*
ReplyDeleteIn all seriousness tho, cyberbullying is a very big issue, and it saddens me every time I see it occur. On FB, twitter, forums, youtube comments (a lot on youtube comments......like seriously, you have trains of comments of people swearing at each other with all sorts of derogatory words just to debate whether Taylor Swift is a good or sucky singer o.O). I feel like shouting why to all these people. Why, just why.
–B