"Harmless Teasing" or Harmful Epidemic: You Decide

I'm not sure about you, but I don't know too many people who actually enjoyed being in middle school or high school. In fact, just about no one I know personally comes to mind. Sure, few of us may not remember much about it aside from the severe lack of recess and ridiculously harsh gym teachers, but it still remains somewhat of a memory. I'm sure many of us can remember at least one instance of being bullied by a classmate or peer. Whether it was one time or constant, you have to admit, it stands out. However, there isn't a chance kids have it easier today.

With the invention of popular social media sites, such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc., there have been tremendous advances in communication. But with these advances comes a new element of social responsibility and the development of cyber-bullying. Teasing and bullying is no longer limited to school hallways, but the seemingly limitless boundaries of the Internet. Although cyber-bullying has been recently brought to the attention of teachers and family members, there continues to be the need for further advocacy for the prevention of such teasing.

Many of us have become quite familiar with Turkle's book Alone Together between out-of-class readings and in-class discussions. Although she mentions related terms "online bullying" and "cyber-bullying" frequently, the initial discussion in chapter 13 has added insight to the topic of cyber-bullying, in a new variation. Turkle introduces Zeke and describes that he has created "fake" MySpace identities in order to initiate critical discussions about, not others, but himself. He explains his reasoning as a way of finding out how his peers truly feel about him. Although many of us can truly deny our curiosity about the opinions of others in reference to ourselves, Turkle almost develops a sense of self-bullying from the example of Zeke. I'm certainly not arguing that this action happens, however, can it really be referenced as bullying? It is self-inflicted inclusion, not forced upon by others. The entire discussion about the "anxiety" we feel about social media sites and cell phone usage is legitimate. However, also arguable. Is this truly a universal anxiety and fear, or just another one of Turkle's dramatized scares? Especially since Turkle only references examples of this anxiety among teenagers?

A common misconception is that cyber-bullies and victims have a certain age demographic. Many who question the seriousness of cyber-bullying chalk it up to being simply, "just a phase" or "harmless teasing." A person of any age can be a victim of cyber-bullying and further efforts towards prevention are rapidly increasing need. Although any age can be at risk, the most common targets appear to be adolescents and, even, young adults. As social media sites are increasingly seeing younger and younger participants, the importance of teaching and emphasizing "netiquette" is becoming stronger. But whose responsibility should it be to teach and monitor online practices on social media websites? Should one individual or group be allowed to control what is visible on individual personal profiles?



I don't feel you have to have children to care about cyber-bullying and its frequency. I have to admit, I'm not aware of the actions taken to attempt to prevent the bullying. In doing some simple research I discovered how the frequency of "sexual cyber-bullying" is rising tremendously. I came across an article on www.northerndailyleader.com about the recent development of two Facebook sites that allow friends to rate each others' sexual experiences. These sites have been met with much resistance from local authorities who reported the two sites to Facebook. Apparently, these two sites violate Facebook terms of use. The terms state that no user will use the social media site to bully, intimidate, or harass any other user. This includes posting material that is harmful or pornographic.

To be honest, I'm not sure how to approach this dilemma. I mean it's not as if people are being forced to participate. The page editors declare a resistance to the negative comments and connotation associated with the topic of the page. Personally, I certainly wouldn't want to participate in the site. However, does that mean that one group (not associated with Facebook) should be able to have the right to remove sites or pages that some may find offensive? What do you all think?

Authorities claim the content of these two sites is "a vicious case of cyber-bullying." They say they are worried about how it will effect relations within schools and between family members. However, despite concerns and controversy, with over 1,250 "friends," Facebook has yet to take down either site. This is increasing the debate on what is "appropriate" to be put on the Internet. My question is, how many children are being exposed to these pages? And are some children subjected to being discussed within the site? In this case, I do not agree with the content of the pages. But if they're all adults, do we have a right to say what they do on the Internet?

To some, this may not be cyber-bullying, but to those who are unwillingly a part of the content, it is. Who is to say this isn't happening within other sites that children may be able to witness? I consider myself a very open-minded person, but I'm not sure I agree with the morality of these two sites. Many people claim that cyber-bullying is increasing in frequency and intensity. Who is to say what advancements will be made within this sort of relentless teasing and what problems it will create in the future?

I suppose I'm curious of your opinions. Do you feel cyber-bullying is increasing in intensity? What problems do you think this may or may not cause for our future children? Are we making too big of a deal about cyber-bullying? I've given my thoughts. What are yours?

Sites of Interest:
http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/facebook-sex-rate-site-cyber-bullying/2195205.aspx?src=rss">

http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/hartford_cty/anti-bullying-law-targets-cyber-world">

http://www.news.com.au/victim-pleas-with-police-to-catch-cyber-bullies/story-fn7x8me2-1226068292915">