Cyberbullying: The Impositive And Positive Impacts Of Social Media

Social networking sites have become a source of daily consumption for Internet users. On average, adults spend twenty hours a week online, while teenagers spend a hefty twenty seven hours a week online. This amount of time has doubled over the past ten years due to the increasing use of smartphones and tablets. (The Telegraph) Social Media can have both a positive and negative impact on society. Positive effects can be found in political mobilization, business, and communication. However, negative effects include cyberbullying, distractions from working, and over sharing personal information. Each user must learn to use the Internet wisely to enhance their professional and social life, and also to be cautious so that they do not fall victim

This type of bullying occurs when a person is bullied, harassed, humiliated, threatened, embarrassed, or targeted in some way by another person. Over fifty-two percent of young people report being cyberbullied. Embarrassing or damaging photographs taken without the knowledge or consent of the subject has been reported by eleven percent of adolescents and teens. (Cyber Bullying Statistics) Often, cyber bullies turn to hate speech to victimize their target. The most common types of cyberbullying tactics reported are mean, hurtful comments as well as the spreading of rumors. Victims of cyberbullying are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem. A survey posted in the Journal of Adolescent Health states that, "Unlike traditional bullying which usually involves a face-to-face confrontation, cyber victims may not see or identify their harasser. As such, cyber victims may be more likely to feel isolated, dehumanized or helpless at the time of the attack." It would seem like any insult would sting, but the viral nature of the internet may be what makes cyber bullying feel worse for victims. A broad audience may be able to see what is being said or posted. With all the social networking websites out there, the victim cannot be sure who all has seen or heard the bullying. It is harder for the victim to retaliate because the bullying is not face-to-face. Many have lost their lives, conjured a negative image of themselves, and much more due

Up to one-third of workers use social media at work for at least one hour per day. (Blueclaw) Many employers and schools have taken the step to ban social media for personal use, citing some research showing it negatively affects productivity. A study this year by psychology students at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, found that the more time young people spend on Facebook, the more likely they are to have lower grades and weaker study habits. In a survey, 53% of those under age 24 said that social media was their primary "time wasting" activity while at work. (Psychology