A recent study discovered cyber-bullying to be a serious problem and some felt that it was more serious than ‘traditional’ bullying due to the associated anonymity (Mishna et al 2009).
There are a few factors that makes cyber bullying so dangerous:
- Cyber bullies are anonymous
- The effect is rapid and widespread
- It is very invasive
Cyber-bullying remains more anonymous than traditional bullying (Steffgen and Konig, 2009). Cyber bullies are usually hidden and untraceable, and they often will engage in online bullying behind protection of a anonymous name. This increases the circle of bullies as now anyone, including those who used to be physically unable to engage in traditional bullying. Cyber space also create a very suitable for bullies to implement their acts of bullying. The effect caused is real time and fast. Victims' humiliation are also exposed to the unlimited amount of potential supporters of bullying in the vast cyber space. The victims will have almost nowhere to escape from bullying as cyber space allows bullying to take place anytime and everywhere.
Survey have shown that Singapore has the second highest number of cyber-bullying cases after the US. This shows that we have to be vigilant towards cyber bullying as it may just be lurking near us.
The Straits Times
Section: Digital Life
March 11, 2008
By Stephanie Gwee
Cyber bullying can be anywhere and everywhere. As long as technology is available, there are chances that cyber bullying will prevail.
References
Willard, N. E. (2007). Cyberbullying and cyberthreats: Responding to the challenge of online social aggression, threats, and distress. Champaign, IL: Research Press.
Caught in Web of menace. Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://digital.asiaone.com/Digital/Features/Story/A1Story20080312-54069.html
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