A focal point of our Intro to Digital Cultures class is our discussions on how the world has progressed in terms of technology and our daily interactions with it, both positive and negative. This week we discussed the aspects of cyber-bullying on the Internet in our society. “Bullying” has existed in our culture on many levels for a long time and it is no surprise that tormenters and their tactics have found their way on the Internet. We discussed that cyber-bullying takes place partially because its face-to-face interactions are limited and makes it more likely to happen. Nowadays, we often here about multiple cases of cyber-bullying that occur, which leads to horrible incidents such as suicide. What others display online can lead to arguably worse repercussions than face-to-face human interactions. Take for example Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers University student who jumped to his death after his roommate posted video footage of Clementi and another male performing sexual acts. Today with the simple ability to post videos, he wrongly took advantage of Clementi’s privacy. What’s more, Clementi even eerily posted his last words on facebook for all of his friends to see.
Danah Boyd specializes in studying cyber-bullying and its repercussions. She believes that one of the reasons that bullying continues is because tormenters and the tormented have difficulty in admitting the acts themselves because they feel victimized. She writes, "Antibullying efforts cannot be successful if they make teenagers feel victimized without providing them the support to go from a position of victimization to one of empowerment. When teenagers acknowledge that they're being bullied, adults need to provide programs similar to those that help victims of abuse. And they must recognize that emotional recovery is a long and difficult process." Last time in class we talked about Googlization. Ironically, Google released a commercial recently how homosexual people can gain support through Google and its many outlets.
This video can prove to show some of the tactics that are being taken in order to stop cyber-bullying.
Another issue brought about from cyber-bullying is false identity and identity theft. The death of Megan Meier is a clear example of how easy it is for someone to fake and identity. While there is this perception that creating a new identity in a MUD for example might be fun and harmless, it can also create harmful affects to others associating with those who create a false identity. This further brings into question about possible future regulations regarding identity online. Should an outside party examine the honesty of online users? Many people would probably disagree with it because it would inhibit the privacy of safe and responsible users. In my own experience, facebook among other platforms is a good example of communication that is conveyed quickly and effectively but not always in the best manner. I feel as though a lot of private communication that takes place is represented publicly making it an avenue for cyber-bullying to exist in the manner that it does.
I like the connection you made between cyber-bullying and identity-theft and/or creating a false identity and the dangers of those as well. I think that adds to cyber-bullying being all the more dangerous, because we have covered why creating false identities thrive--it's popular amongst Internet users to not be themselves. It is a growing issue and must be put to an end, and the examples we covered in class as well as yours amplify those facts.
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