With people depending more and more on social media each and everyday It is where we jump online to catch up with friends, flick through photos and little thoughts, and check in on current news and trends. But social media has a dark side as well. Unfortunately, online harassment is a problem with which many users can identify.
Online harassment are activities in which bullying, threatening, calling & texting, calling & texting repeatedly, unsolicited emailing, etc. occur and the means to these bullying behaviors were via the internet, smartphone, apps, among others. It can take many forms. For example, this can include sending mean comments, spreading rumors or lies, sharing private information without someone’s consent, and messaging sexually against someone’s wishes.
All it takes is men is to be online abusing people and they can be anyone. But some groups are at greater risk than others. Like women, and also, if not also more so, people from racial or ethnic minorities, and those who identify as LGBTQ. Online harassment of young people is a problem.
It can be extremely harmful, too. Online harassment can take its toll The common effects of being a victim are fear, anxiety, anger and depression. Some are harassed until it makes them too scared to even go online. In real life, this can negatively affect all relationships and professional or academic performance.
If you are harassed online, the most important thing is how to respond. Fistly, DO NOT Answer or Click back. This will only make things worse. Make use of privacy tools to block the harasser, so that they will not be able to contact you again directly. You might as well want to report the behavior of the individual to the social media platform.
Serious or accompanied with bodily threats, bawl it to the authorities. Talk to your friends or family members about the goings on as well. They too could offer guidance and suggestions. It may also help to seek counseling
Avoiding Online Harassment All Together Fir example, Avoid sharing all your personal information publically on your social media account. Be very careful with your privacy settings. Understanding the blocking tools.
Finally, if you are harassed, it is not your fault. What a harasser says is a reflection on them and not you. Remember to be respectful to others online and insist on being treated with respect in return.
Harassment is a very harsh reality of the online social media. There is more that can be done to tackle this issue, however the solutions start with arming yourself with knowledge. Avoiding online abuse is a case of being prepared and knowing what to expect.