Opinions : Letter to the Editor
LETTER: Social media creates bullying

By Sabrina Kumar,
Guest writer
February 27, 2013

Dear Editor,

Many minors nowadays use media as a source for connecting and getting the latest news of different everyday events. Yet many strangers around the world can retrieve personal information. And the privilege of freedom of speech creates lack of trust in people we face.

The Feb. 22 article, Part 2: Online bullying increases in schools (VIDEO) by Tynin Fries, focuses on the process of how bullies create havoc for others on the Internet.

A form of cyber bullying starts when people leave traumatic comments or hack accounts within websites. Then they target another person's account; who they know in real life. The freedom of speech online through secrecy can get out of hand, as some people throw all their anger out in a repulsive threat. This often damages the fragile lives of individuals. Unfortunately, one bully can turn into a cyber-gang as other anonymous people join anywhere around the world 24/7.

Until today I have never used Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.; for I've seen people post photos and messages virally (only available) to their friends through a social network, and think it's secure. Anyone can easily leak the information, and in return use it as a threat. I am aware of the opportunities media brings for employment, and lots of them still exist through face-to-face paperwork.

Online bullying doesn't always occur through creating a Twitter account. It can appear through newspaper articles or a video of a dog playing fetch with a lemon on Youtube. If cyber bullying arises, documentation of the inappropriate content is mandatory. Also please be aware of the consequences when using unsecure websites.

People will always find and give their negative opinions. However with knowledge of the possible outcomes, unnecessary havoc remains preventable.

For more letters to the editor, read the Jan. 18 article, LETTER: Safety precautions impact individuals.



Tweet