In the age of social media, the lines between trolling and cyberbullying have increasingly blurred, to the extent that internet users can’t always distinguish between being bullied or trolled.
Trolling is when someone posts messages that are meant to provoke or offend others. It can be frustrating to deal with, but it doesn’t necessarily cause harm. Cyberbullying, on the other hand, is when someone uses technology to repeatedly harass, intimidate, or harm another person. This kind of behaviour can be incredibly damaging to a person’s mental health and well-being. Cyberbullying can take many forms, including spreading rumours, sharing embarrassing photos or videos, and making threats.
What to Do When You Witness Trolling or Cyberbullying?
Now that you know how to distinguish between the two let’s go over what actions to take when you see someone being trolled or cyberbullied.
Every day we witness new cases of trolling on social media. For instance, Ain’t Jaffri was recently trolled for looking older than she used to be, and the comments highlighted her physical changes in a negative way. Nevertheless, the actress proved to be resilient against such derogatory comments by gracefully schooling the trolls and, in turn, received an apology.
Her response can be used as an example of how to deal with trolls by not letting them bring us down and instead educating them on the ethics of online interactions. It is essential for people to understand how to behave with others so that we can cultivate a more responsible society.
In the event of cyberbullying, it is imperative to report the incident to the relevant authorities so that it can be handled appropriately. Cyberbullying is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on individuals. The anonymity of the internet can make it easier for people to engage in cyberbullying without fear of consequences. Cyberbullying can have severe consequences, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and even suicide.
To combat cyberbullying, it’s important to educate people on how to behave responsibly online. This includes teaching individuals how to interact with others in a respectful manner, how to recognize when someone is being bullied, and how to report incidents of cyberbullying. Additionally, parents, educators, and other authority figures should be vigilant in monitoring children’s online activities and taking action when necessary.
