Take steps to nip cyberbullying in the bud - New Straits Times

Take steps to nip cyberbullying in the bud - New Straits Times

LETTERS: IN this modern era, the use of electronic gadgets such as computers and smartphones has become an addiction. But are you a wise user of electronic gadgets and do you use your smartphone in a correct way?

Most electronic gadget users do not realise that online bullying is rife.

Cyberbullying is defined as the use of cyber technology to attract users with the intention of causing harm. In addition, a “netigen” plays the role of judging and commenting negatively on an issue without providing any facts. As a result, cyberbullying activities have increased contagiously.

Why are cyberbullying incidents becoming a serious issue?

In today’s society, most mass media have reported that
parents’ preoccupation with smartphones will leave children vulnerable.

Hence, their children do not express their feelings when they face problems and ultimately decide to become keyboard warriors on online forums.

Therefore, parents should always monitor their children’s behaviour by observing their online activities to find out what they are doing. Monitoring such activities can reduce the incidence of cyberbullying.

Moreover, cyberbullying occurs because of one’s dissatisfaction with an individual. The bullies are willing to tarnish the image of an individual’s status or reputation in society.

The majority of cyber bullies use technology applications such as computers, smartphones and social media as a platform. Such an act can directly have a negative impact on cyberbullying victims. They may experience emotional instability, are not interested in daily activities, and contemplate suicide in order to maintain their dignity.

Cyberbullying can also occur due to the advances in technology.

Children are exposed to cyberbullying at a very young age. Some negative behaviours such as viewing pornography, cyber theft and Internet addiction have flourished as a result of technological developments.

So children who are actively using advanced technology are more likely to be victims of cyberbullying as they are more exposed to the social network environment compared to children who are less active in technological matters.

In conclusion, the right language and ethics play an important role in online communication.

The use of wrong language and unethical behaviour not only affect the emotions of victims but can also destroy their confidence and lead to depression and so on.

Effective steps must be taken by the authorities to raise awareness on cyberbullying.

Young people who feel comfortable using abusive words when interacting on social media should be aware that such an act may badly affect others.

WEI CHUNG

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA

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The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times

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2019-12-16 16:02:00Z
https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters/2019/12/548494/take-steps-nip-cyberbullying-bud
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