What are the key characteristics that define cyberbullying and distinguish it from other forms of harassment?

Answer #1

1. Use of technology: Cyberbullying involves the use of electronic communication devices, such as smartphones, computers, or social media platforms, to harass, intimidate, or harm others.

2. Anonymity: Perpetrators of cyberbullying can hide behind the anonymity provided by the internet, making it easier for them to avoid accountability for their actions.

3. Accessibility: Cyberbullying is widespread and can reach a large audience quickly, making it difficult for victims to escape the harassment.

4. Persistence: Cyberbullying can be continuous and relentless, with perpetrators able to target their victims at any time, even outside of traditional school or work hours.

5. Impact: Cyberbullying can have severe psychological and emotional effects on victims, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even thoughts of suicide.

6. Permanence: Once something is posted online, it can be difficult to remove or erase, leading to a lasting impact on the victim's reputation and well-being.

7. Bystander effect: In many cases of cyberbullying, individuals who witness the harassment may fail to intervene or support the victim, either out of fear of becoming the next target or a lack of understanding of the seriousness of the situation.
8. Pervasiveness: Cyberbullying can happen anytime and anywhere, making it difficult for victims to find a safe space away from the harassment.
9. Relational aggression: Unlike traditional forms of bullying which may involve physical aggression, cyberbullying often involves relational aggression, such as spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing information, or excluding someone from online groups.
10. Amplification: Due to the viral nature of the internet, cyberbullying incidents have the potential to spread quickly and reach a larger audience than traditional forms of harassment.
11. Difficulty in identification: Cyberbullying can be challenging to identify and address as perpetrators may hide their identities or use fake accounts to carry out the harassment.
12. Cyberbullying laws: Many jurisdictions have specific laws or regulations in place to address cyberbullying, reflecting the seriousness of this issue and the need for legal consequences for perpetrators.