Cyber Bullying and Hate Speech - An Immature Side of Social Media!

How do we stop Cyberbullying and Hate speech in Social Media?

Namaste.

We have heard oftentimes that someone made a fake profile of somebody and sent derogatory messages, well it is just an instance of cyberbullying. Sending, sharing or posting mean, harmful or false information about someone defines bullying and it's a criminal offense. Typically, this is done through mean comments, online rumors, and even sexual remarks. They’re usually connected with appearance, intelligence, religion, race, or sexuality.

Cyberbullying differs from traditional form of bullying in the way that victim/survivor may be aware of the real identity of the bully. The lines between having a “right to say anything” and hate speech can become increasingly blurry, especially in the age of cyberbullying and harassment in the real world and online. Effects are long-lasting as it influences the mental well being of the survivor.

• 1 in 4 adolescents reported seeing a morphed image or video of themselves, but only half reported.

• India ranks at number 3 in the list of online bullying cases as per the survey conducted by Microsoft in 2012.

• 70% of the cyberbullying activities happen over Facebook.

• Survivors of cyberbullying are 2 to 9 times more prone to committing suicide.

"Think before you type. What if someone did the same thing to your loved ones?"

Most common reasons for cyberbullying/hate speech are lack of empathy, pornography, bullies think they're powerful, beautiful, superior than the victims and believe they deserve it, addiction to bullying, for entertainment or for no reason.

Since the internet is a wide world, there are several ways to use it for any purpose you want. Some use it for good and the bulk use it for spreading toxicity like cyberbullying and hate speech. The silent majority are undeniably experienced any type of cyberbullying in their lifetime. Some of 'em are,

• Humiliating/embarrassing content posted online about the victim through Social Media.

• Stalking and Hacking of the account.

• Posting indecent or profane content.

• Trolling Memes

• Threatening the victim to commit any act of violence.

• Online Fan wars that includes filthy language and involvement of women.

Can We Stop Bullying?

There is no cure for hate speech and bullying, but there is a way to stand up against it. To effectively deal with cyberbullying attacks, alongside technical skills related to the correct use of technological devices and internet-based tools; people need to improve their social skills, level of empathy, and anger management. There are anti-cyberbullying laws in India like Information Technology Act, 2000 and Indian Penal Code, 1860.

Don't Respond. Sometimes all the perpetrators are looking for is a reaction as according to them by responding to them you are giving them power over you. The best way is to disconnect yourself from this situation or distract the person who is bullying you. If problem persists, reach out for help to the cyber crime department of India.

Use Technology. When you are continously bullied, use the social media options like reporting, restricting or blocking the person to get an instant help. Employing AI for searching social media sites for words, phrases and symbols that have been identified as indicators of possible antisemitic content.

Keep Your Social Profile Safe. Be always mindful of what you post, like, share and who sees what you post. Being kind to others online will help to keep you safe. Do not share anything that could hurt or embarrass anyone. Don't let anybody to snoop through your sensitive information.

Collect The Evidence. It becomes important to keep all pieces of evidence such as messages, posts, comments saved. Many websites have a no-tolerance policy and if you complaint against them they will take it down.

It is essential that Indian parents and educational institutions should take a significant role in making their children learn disciplinary education and increase their skills like teamwork, leadership, communication and conflict management for the cyberbullying prevention.

Anything to say? Please leave a comment. Thanks!

Jai Hind.