Electronic communications are quickly becoming a primary way to socialize, network, deal with conflicts (or start them), find information, and build community. The possibilities continue to grow as sites like Facebook, MySpace, Blogger, Linkedin, and Second Life continue to expand. One unfortunate and inevitable outcome to all of this is high-tech communication being used for antisocial behavior A.K. A. cyber bullying. We have seen it pop up everywhere from elementary schools to the work place, and it can be just as detrimental as other forms of bullying and harassment especially because the bully tends to feel protected by the barrier of the internet.
Recently, I was told about a college discussion forum that’s sole purpose seems to have become cruel or inappropriate comments about college students and organizations, particularly, Greek life. With this site, peers have the ability to anonymously post malicious comments and form discussions that tend to stereotype particular sororities and fraternities. In many cases, students are ridiculed, isolated and mentioned by their full name. This online harassment has been greatly distressing for those who have been victimized. For obvious reasons, this site has become a problem for Greeks who now are forced to face the explicit remarks of anonymous cyber bullies.
The issue was raised in my sorority’s executive officer training as something that should be discouraged and dealt with in order to maintain peace in the chapter and on campus. The evil discussion forum was news to me, but for many it had been causing problems in their chapter for some time now. I know that stereotypes occur, rumors are spread, and anti-social behavior happens frequently, but I was shocked that an entire forum was dedicated to this inappropriate online bullying. I did not include the name of the site because I do not want to incidentally promote it, but I would advise that organizations beware of this new medium of victimization.
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2 comments:
This is the perfect example of CMC, something thats created to be positive and can be used and abused for something negative. I have actually seen a couple forums and blogs that are not very appropriate which can make all blogging seem negative. This also shows as you mentioned, that cyberbullying can be done is so many different forms, there's no designated age group or place.
Most of the things made in this world are to be made ofr a good thing and for some reason or another, somebody has to take this good idea and make it into saomething bad.For example, now people are familiar with chatting on on-line, but there could be some sick guy out there talking to a 13 year old girl acting like he is 13 as well. But in reality he is a predator. I just don't get why things that are intended in being great thing, but somebody always has to be the bad guy.
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