Psychological Problems caused by cyber bullying

Author : Dr.Tulika | 27 Dec 2023

The persistent and intentional use of digital technology to torment, intimidate, ridicule, or attack another person is known as cyberbullying. It's also known as online harassment, and it's quite widespread among adolescents, though older individuals aren't immune to the adverse repercussions, which may be devastating to one's mental health.

Cyberbullying is quite prevalent these days, with nearly everyone having an active social media account everywhere possible. It can also take place on gaming platforms since they are collaborative and interactive in nature. The aggressor, or, to put it another way, the abuser, adopts a variety of tactics to persistently smear the victim's online reputation. Teens and young adults are the most susceptible since they engage with these digital platforms extensively.

Children and teenagers are particularly more fragile and exposed since they are still learning to manage their emotions and reactions to social relationships. Irrespective of age, the multiple psychological ramifications can be catastrophic to victims, and it appears that no one is exempt from the stress it produces.

Reasons behind Cyberbullying 

Bullies have existed in society since forever. But what drives someone not just to choose to abuse another person online but to do so in such a persistent and gruesome way?

One argument is that cyberbullies have little or no empathy for those around them. It is attributed to excessive use of technology and less real-world social connection. However, this is only one part of the problem of cyberbullying.

A cyberbully can launch a deluge of anguish at any time, from the comfort and safety of their own home, with hardly any fear of consequences. Another element is a lack of parental supervision and a chance to seek fame by behaviour that they believe will appeal to their friends and companions.

According to one study, cyberbullying is often more likely to happen among current or former friends. It is usually the result of a minor disagreement that evolves. It could also be that one individual has a secret about the other that they want to share. It could also be a case of retaliation for any wrongdoing. Another cause is envy and an attempt to enhance their social position.

Consequences of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can lead to low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and academic failure. It can also make it challenging to foster healthy relationships, and individuals may suffer extreme post-traumatic anxiety, panic, and emotional distress.

Young victims are roughly twice as prone as their contemporaries to contemplate suicide. Several adolescent victims self-harm themselves. They're also more capable of turning to substance addiction to cope with their mental trauma.

Even though these digital practices might appear innocuous or even malicious to the offender, they have far-reaching ramifications on the victim's psyche, unlike a silly prank played on a school or college mate.

This is due to the eroding quality of content published on digital sites or associated text messaging platforms. It can include threats, inappropriate comments, hate messages, indecent images, and slanderous rumours, and it can be perpetrated on the recipient by a single person or a group of people. More often than not, it results in severe complaints that negatively affect the victim's mental well-being. Anxiety, stress, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, anger, and restlessness plague them.

Depression, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Because of the trauma imposed on the victim, there is a correlation between cyberbullying and depression. An individual who has been the victim of cyberbullying may become nervous and lose interest in things they value. As a result of depressed episodes following a cyberbullying incidence, sleep routine and dietary behaviour, and overall health may deteriorate.

There are instances in which the victim's memory recounts the traumatic incident, prompting a physiological stress response and PTSD. This occurs because the brain may consistently release stress hormones, causing the person to repeat the traumatic event. This increased sensory overload can overwhelm a person, leading to a torrent of negative thoughts and a lack of emotional control.

Loss of self-esteem 

People who have been the victims of cyberbullying often develop a negative impression of themselves. Since the brain's defensive response sets in and tends to make one doubt their abilities, level of confidence and judgment abilities are impeded due to the stress.

Making decisions, as simple as which shirt to wear or what movie to watch, can be challenging for some people. This signifies a sense of powerlessness followed by a widespread feeling of fatigue that prevents individuals from getting up in the morning or showering. This eventual loss of self-esteem is associated with poor academic results, absenteeism, medical conditions, illegal conduct, and a multitude of other consequences. Since cyberbullying is correlated to low self-esteem, one should do everything to prevent it.

Evident Suicidal thoughts 

Cyberbullying's consequences might even be catastrophic in extreme situations. As per a study conducted, 30% of cyberbullying victims had suicidal thoughts, and 10% of victims have contemplated suicide. While cyberbullying by itself is unlikely to lead to suicide, it has been found to exacerbate victims' sense of isolation, perhaps adding to an already tense situation.

Remember that it only takes one tiny step to get from an innocuous remark to a full-fledged cyberbullying assault. Due to the apparent lack of face-to-face engagement and the sense of empowerment that comes with being behind a keyboard, what could have been a simple case of classroom joke can quickly escalate into a barrage of abuse, ridiculing, and threats of physical assault. The implications can be long-term mental distress and, as earlier stated, can lead to suicide.

Every individual's responsibility is to display a sense of accountability in whatever information they share online, whether it is their own or someone else's. Furthermore, one must be aware that they will be held accountable for any disparaging posts made by them on social media platforms. People around victims of cyberbullying, whether they are parents, friends, or other family members, need to have open dialogue to assist them in recovering mentally and emotionally and urge children to use social media with caution. 

Previous Articles Next Articles