In many cases, virtual space ensures the anonymity of Internet users and in this environment cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking become very widespread. These behaviors include several activities that can harm an individual; for example, one can mention intimidation, humiliation, or posting materials that can harm the reputation or career of a person (King-Ries 2011). Furthermore, one should speak about the damage to equipment or data as well as theft (Stauffer et al. 2012).
On the whole, it is possible to argue that cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking increase people’s sense of insecurity; moreover, these activities can turn deviant behavior into a norm. In particular, one should focus on such issues as the disrespect for a person’s autonomy, the growing intensity of domestic violence and deteriorating mental health in the country. These are some of the main aspects that can be identified.
It should be taken into consideration that cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking affect a significant number of people. For example, according to the findings of researchers, approximately 25 percent of children in the United States have fallen victims of cyber-bullying (Stauffer et al. 2012, p. 353). Very similar situation can be observed in other counties such as the United Kingdom or Canada. These data are important for showing that these activities have profound implications for the society. Furthermore, bullying and stalking on the Internet can influence the values and attitudes of children and adolescents whose identities have been fully developed.
Overall, the victims of cyber-bullying often suffer from depression and anxiety (Stauffer et al. 2012, p. 354). Some of these people can even commit suicide (Stauffer et al. 2012, p. 354). Thus, one can argue that cyber-bullying can adversely influence the mental health in the community. Apart from that, researchers note that many teenagers internalize unhealthy patterns of behavior such the disrespect for the emotional wellbeing of a person (King-Ries 2011, p. 155).
The main problem is that people, who are engaged in bullying or stocking on the Internet, do not attach much importance to the autonomy of others and their feelings (King-Ries 2011, p. 155). The key difference is that in the virtual environment, this behavior often goes unpunished, and a person can come to the conclusion that this activity is quite appropriate.
Furthermore, scholars note that the victims of cyber-stalking and cyber-stalking can vent his/her anger or frustration on relatives. This is one of the reasons why scholars speak about the increasing rise of domestic violence in American families (King-Ries, 2011, p. 154). This is one of the main impacts that can be identified.
Furthermore, cyber-stalking and cyber-stalking can change certain values in the society, especially the respect for an individual privacy. It should be noted that people, who are engaged in these activities, completely overlook the idea that there are certain emotional boundaries that should not be crossed. Provided that the proportion of these people in the society will increase, the importance of privacy in the community can decline.
These examples indicate that cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking can produce adverse effects on individuals and the society. One should pay close attention to the growing number of conflict within families because the victims of cyber-stalking to have many emotional and behavioral problems such as domestic violence. Furthermore, one should not forget about the change of many values such as the respect for the privacy of a person. Finally, one should not forget about such a consequence as the deterioration of mental health in the society.
References
King-Ries, A 2011, ‘Teens, Technology, and Cyberstalking: The Domestic Violence Wave of the Future?’ Texas Journal of Women and the Law, vol. 20 no. 2, pp. 131-164.
Stauffer, S, Heath, M, Coyne, S, & Ferrin, S 2012, ‘High school teachers’ perceptions of cyberbullying prevention and intervention strategies’, Psychology In The Schools, vol. 49 no. 4, pp. 352-367.