Bullying has been around since the beginning of time. However, the way that bullying is done today is different than it was 30 years ago. Cyberbullying exists now because of the internet. There was a survey taken by the University of Sheffield and the University of Nottingham. There were 320 people surveyed. The results showed that 80 percent of the subjects surveyed had been cyberbullied within the past six months.
Reading rude comments online can have a negative impact on a person’s self-esteem. It can also lead to depression and anxiety. Cyberbullying can seem like it is impossible to escape. Many people take cyberbullying off line. They may confront the person when they see them.
Online groups are filled with groups of people who make rude comments. Seeing thousands of people make rude comments can be even more hurtful than hearing a few rude comments in person.
Don’t retaliate
When many people see a rude comment online, they feel compelled to retaliate. This will only make the problem worse.
Do not Take the Comments Personally
If someone makes comments about your beliefs and views, then you should not take them personally. The comments that another person makes is not a reflection of you. It is a reflection of the person who is making the comments.
Stop Rereading the Comments
If you keep re-reading the comments, then you will only make yourself angrier. This can also start an obsession. If you are a part of a group that has people who are making rude comments, then you will need to report the comments to a moderator as soon as possible.
Understand That People Have Different Views
It is a good idea to be open to other people’s opinions and thoughts. It is possible for many people to be right. A comment that may look rude at first may actually just be a different viewpoint.
Follow the 30-Second Rule
You should wait 30 seconds before you post something on social media. Put down the phone or computer for 30 seconds. When you pick up the phone or computer again, you will need to ask yourself if you would like if someone wrote something like this to you.
Take a Break from Technology
You should turn off the computer and phone for the night. There are several other things that you can do with your time. You can spend that time taking a warm bath, meditating or cooking a meal.
Technology Does Not Have to Make You A Victim of Cyberbullying
You have to be considerate and mindful of others to make your experience a good one.
Even though bullying has always been around, it does not only happen on the playground anymore. It happens online, but there are things that you can do about it. It is important to raise awareness about the issue so that people can know that it is unacceptable. It is also important for people to stick up to people who have been bullied.
About Talkspace
Talkspace is a company that provides online therapy. This online therapy can help people who are dealing with cyberbullying, depression, anxiety and other issues. You talk to your therapist via Skype, text message or phone on the Talkspace app. The Talkspace app allows you to get therapy at a time that is convenient for you.