The digital sphere has expanded over time, accommodating people from all walks of life. With the expansion of cyberspace, internet users can engage in online marketing, classes, and gaming. The activities are available in one package over the internet and require an individual only to have a gadget such as a laptop and an internet connection (Emma, 2021). However, online bullies have used such platforms to bodyshame, profile, and discriminate against users. Laws should therefore be passed which allow online bullies to be prosecuted because they cause increased stress and lower self-esteem among their victims.
Bullying in the form of hacking one’s profile exposes a user to body shaming and negative comments about their personality. This makes a victim stressed and avoids these platforms since they have been intimidated. The stress makes such victims scared of using social media platforms. According to the fact sheet “what is cyberbullying,” 80 percent of these bullies know their victims, making it easy to prosecute them (Emma, 2021). Formulating laws that prosecute such bullies makes the internet safer and reduces users’ humiliation.
Cyberbullying victims also develop low self-esteem, making them avoid their peers. Such victims become mean in society depending on how badly they were bullied. Studies also show that 20 percent of such victims also develop suicidal thoughts and are exposed to anger (Emma, 2021). Therefore, this scenario makes the cyberbullies seem to promote sexual harassment, racial profiling, and gender discrimination; hence should be prosecuted.
Apart from the effects of cyberbullying, other critics argue that some comments are constructive and should be handled lightly, especially in schools. To help make the cyber safe and safer, awareness should therefore be made, and online laws prosecute online bullies to help curb the vast cyberspace. In the U.S., such perpetrators are being reported to police stations, making cyberspace much safer.
Reference
Emma. (2021). Constructive criticism versus cyberbullying: What’s the difference? LearnSafe.