For as long as I can remember, our generation has had to deal with bullying via social media. Whether it be snarky responses on Twitter or private messages on Facebook, cyberbullying is steadily increasing in its impact.
Cyberbullying: the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature. (Merriam-Webster)
Although social media can provide countless benefits in the professional and social world, it can cause enough harm to result in the loss of a life. Charlotte Dawson, an Australian entertainment star, was found dead this past Saturday. Why you may ask? Dawson suffered from severe depression for quite some time, with cyberbullying being a major factor.
In 2012, Dawson had more than 53,000 Twitter followers. Occasionally, Dawson would receive a threatening direct message via Twitter, where should would re-tweet the message. She was hoping to expose behavior that was thought by the messengers to be confidential. Although she began playing a role in anti-bullying campaigns, her depression continued. This depression has been suspected to cause her to commit suicide Saturday morning.
Charlotte Dawson is one of the many individuals that have turned to suicide because of the mistreatment of others through sites such as, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Even though there is a major campaign against cyberbullying and its effects, it is SO hard to find an answer. With technology changing everyday, it seems, it is going to take more than just increases awareness to end cyberbullying. I wish I was able to come up with the lightbulb idea that would end this, but I have realized I am clearly too naive. In my mind, I just would hope that the respect and decency would click with individuals, and it would end. But, I can see now that it is not that easy.
Any ideas?
NOTE: Click here for more information on the passing of Charlotte Dawson http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-23/charlotte-dawson-death-puts-focus-on-cyber-bullying/5277904