Putting down another person or group of people through the use of modern technology is known as “cyber bullying.” People have had their reputations destroyed through the use of instant messaging, text messaging, social media websites and blogs. Now that the internet has become one of the fastest ways to generate and receive information, cyber bullying has become a huge problem.
Actions and reactions
Cyber bullying, in a sense, removes the bully from the victim. There is a virtual wall between both parties that the attack itself may not seem that serious but it is very serious. Incidents can range from mild insulting remarks to death threats that lead to suicide. Cyber bullying is not always as cut-and-dry as all of that. When you make a comment about another person that can be perceived as an insult despite your intention, that comment can travel anywhere. Someone may see it on your facebook and tell their friend about it who might proceed to tell their friend who may be offended by your remark and decide to retaliate. Then you’ve gotten yourself into a huge mess, all over one comment you made that may have been more harmless in essence than the way it came across to others. At this point, your personal brand is in danger. Not only has your little remark become way more visible than you intended it to, you’ve become vulnerable. What if that little comment you made on facebook gets to your professor at school? You could lose that person as a valuable reference. If it gets to a co-worker or manager with whom you work, you could lose your job…and all over this little remark! It is important to stop and think about every action you make when using the internet because you may be cyber bullying without even knowing it.
What to do when your personal brand is at risk
If you are being exploited online whether as a reaction to something you did or said or because you are a victim of cyber bullying yourself, you’ll need to take the necessary steps to get your personal brand out of harms way. First, find out why you are a target. Did you talk about someone in a negative way? Did you post something controversial on your blog or website? Or did you really do nothing to bring on an attack? If it is possible, approach the person who is responsible and talk about the problem. If the matter is very serious or you are unsure who is bullying you then the attack must be reported. This website can help you figure out the best course of action. Try your best to remove anything that is publicly posted about you off the internet. Keep in mind that one thing you should never do is fight back.
Taking precautions
Keeping yourself and your personal brand safe requires more than just the occasional clean-out of inappropriate facebook pictures or making sure you use respectful language online. Public display of inappropriate behavior can lead to cyber bullying or exploitation. As “middle school” as it sounds, taking the proper precautions even involves refraining from talking about others behind their backs or being polite when in public. These days, anything can make its way on the internet, so being careful when out in public is just as important as being careful when using the internet.
To find out more about cyber bullying, go to www.stopcyberbullying.org.
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Adrienne is a Syracuse University student from Danbury, CT majoring in Writing and Rhetoric with a Leadership Communication minor. She is a big fan of impressionist art, ocean views and classic rock. She hopes to one day have her name in the credits of a hit film whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera.
