What Is Cyber Harassment?

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Bullying is a very broad term that cannot be fully explained by a sole definition. According to the website StopBullying.gov, the definition of bullying is, “...unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.” Although this definition is correct in some aspects; the definition does not fully elaborate on what bullying really is. With that said, bullying is an extensive term which is not fully understood by many. Bullying is usually a physical altercation resulting from an imbalance of power. This imbalance of power involves a bully who feels powerful and targets a victim who is seen as ‘weak.’ Bullies will often carry out bullying in an area where the bully is most comfortable. Also, …show more content…

According to an internet safety company which addresses cases regarding cyber harassment known as iPredator Incorporation; there website states, “Cyber Harassment is the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to harass, control, manipulate or habitually disparage a child, adult, business or group without a direct or implied threat of physical harm.” This definition reveals that cyber harassment is the use of technology to harass or harm other people. Cyber harassment can occur over email, instant messaging, and social media. One intention of cyber harassment is to bring hatred into the minds of others. Other intentions may go to the extent of defaming, personally identifying, and humiliating the victim. According to StopBullying.gov, 24% of students in grades six to twelve have experienced being cyberbullied. An astounding 95% of teens and young adults have witnessed some form of bullying online. Many forms of cyber harassment exist which might explain the high percentage of witnesses to cyber harassment. One type of cyber harassment is known as digital pile-on. Digital pile-on is when a person solicits involvements of other people online who may or may not know the target. Another type in known as online harassment. Online harassment is when someone sends hateful messages to someone they know online, in real life, or not at all. Inappropriate pictures may also count as online harassment. An addition, outing is also a form a cyber harassment. Outing is when the victim finds out their personal information is posted online for everyone to see. Another type of cyber harassment is victim blaming. Victim blaming is when the victim is taunted, shamed, and called names. The last type of cyber harassment is known as masquerading or trolling. This is when someone creates a fake social media account to send hateful messages to someone. One case

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