Let's Talk About Cyber Attacks - The Personal Kind

People are downright vicious online these days! Here's what you can do about it.

You've been there... did a post on a social media platform, or commented on one, and next thing you know, people who you don't know from Adam or turning against you like a pack of hungry wolves.

It was an innocent comment or post voicing your opinion or beliefs, or maybe you asked a simple question, and you got virtually clobbered.

This happened to me recently on a post someone else did on why they are voting for a particular presidential candidate. A very sweet and inquisitive woman commented that she hated both candidates but wanted to do her research and get some facts so she could make a well-informed decision when she voted. At least she's voting!

Now, I'm going to out myself here. I'm a Republican and the post was about the other candidate. I responded to the woman's comment by telling her that I think it's great she wants to do her research and make a well-informed decision. It was neutral and supportive.

However, almost every single Democrat on the post literally went after me like a bucket of angry vipers for merely suggesting that doing research and gathering facts is the right thing to do if you are undecided. Who needs research when you have the left-leaning mainstream media brainwashing everyone with dramatic soundbites and fake news?

Anyway, this is not meant to be a political post but rather to shine a spotlight on the incredible amount of hatred and vitriol that we are seeing online these days, especially on social media.

You're not allowed to have your opinion, lest you be lambasted and virtually drawn and quartered for having it.

As we get closer to the election, adult cyberbullying is becoming more and more prevalent. Unlike traditional bullying, which often occurs in physical spaces, cyberbullying takes place in the vast, often anonymous world of the internet. It can be just as harmful—if not more so—and the effects can be long-lasting, leading to serious emotional and psychological consequences for victims.

The primary difference between traditional bullying and cyberbullying lies in the medium and the reach. While face-to-face bullying may end when the victim leaves the situation or actually stands up for themselves, cyberbullying can occur around the clock, invading every aspect of the victim’s life. Moreover, it can potentially reach a much larger audience, as harmful content shared online can be easily spread, often beyond the victim’s control.

Why is Adult Cyberbullying So Harmful?

Cyberbullying can have profound psychological and emotional consequences, especially for children and teenagers who are still developing their self-esteem and coping mechanisms. However, the effects of cyberbullying are just as severe for adults as they are for children, and in some ways, the consequences can be even more damaging given the adult's established personal and professional life. Some of the most significant impacts include:

1. Emotional and Psychological Distress: Just like traditional bullying, adult cyberbullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. Constant harassment or public shaming can erode self-esteem and cause feelings of helplessness. Victims may experience severe emotional fatigue, anger, or helplessness that affects their overall well-being.
2. Damage to Reputation: Adults who are cyberbullied often face serious consequences in their personal and professional lives. Public humiliation or false information can damage a person’s reputation, leading to loss of relationships, social connections, or job opportunities. In some cases, public shaming can even lead to job loss or difficulty securing employment.
3. Social Isolation: Being the target of cyberbullying can result in the victim withdrawing from social networks, avoiding online interactions, and feeling isolated from their community. The emotional toll can be so significant that it disrupts their social and professional life, leading to further feelings of alienation.
4. Workplace Harassment: When cyberbullying spills over into the workplace, it can have a profound impact on career advancement and productivity. Harassment by colleagues, superiors, or even anonymous online sources can result in workplace stress, decreased job satisfaction, and in extreme cases, resignation or legal action.
5. Physical Health Issues: The psychological toll of cyberbullying can manifest physically. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to sleep disturbances, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and even more severe health problems. The toll of enduring harassment or fear of harassment can undermine the immune system, leading to an overall decline in health.

Why Do Adults Cyberbully?

Adult cyberbullying can be driven by a variety of motivations, many of which are deeply rooted in personal conflicts, social power dynamics, or malicious intent. Some common reasons include:

1. Revenge: In personal relationships or professional settings, adults may use cyberbullying as a form of retaliation. This could be a response to perceived wrongs, arguments, or betrayals.
2. Jealousy or Envy: Cyberbullying can be an outlet for those who feel threatened by another’s success, beauty, relationships, or position. Envy may prompt malicious behavior online to undermine the victim’s achievements or image.
3. Power and Control: For some individuals, bullying others online gives them a sense of power or control. This can be particularly evident in toxic work environments or hierarchical settings, where individuals may use cyberbullying to dominate or intimidate others.
4. Disagreement or Political Differences: Social media and online forums have become battlegrounds for political and ideological debates. Sometimes, these debates escalate into personal attacks, leading to targeted harassment.
5. Boredom or Anonymity: Some individuals engage in cyberbullying simply because they can do so without immediate repercussions. The perceived anonymity of the internet emboldens many to act in ways they wouldn't in person, often to seek attention or simply for entertainment.

How to Handle Adult Cyberbullying

While adult cyberbullying can be devastating, there are several strategies that individuals can employ to protect themselves and take action against online harassment:

1. Document the Harassment: Keep records of any abusive messages, posts, or emails. Screenshots, timestamps, and copies of the communication can serve as evidence if you need to report the incident to authorities or legal professionals.
2. Block and Report: Most social media platforms, websites, and messaging services have features that allow you to block or report harmful behavior. Use these tools to prevent further contact with the perpetrator and alert platform administrators to the abuse.
3. Protect Your Privacy: Be mindful of what personal information you share online. Adjust privacy settings on social media to restrict access to your accounts and limit who can view your posts.
4. Seek Support: Talk to friends, family members, or colleagues who can provide emotional support and guidance. You might also consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor to manage the emotional impact of cyberbullying.
5. Legal Action: In some cases, adult cyberbullying may escalate to criminal behavior, such as harassment or stalking. Many jurisdictions have laws that protect individuals from online harassment. Consider seeking legal advice if the situation involves threats or violations of privacy.
6. Workplace Reporting: If the cyberbullying is happening within a professional setting, report the behavior to human resources or your manager. Many companies have policies in place to address workplace harassment, including online harassment.

As much as people try to practice "adulting," adult cyberbullying is real and is becoming worse. Whether it arises from personal disputes, professional jealousy, or simply the anonymity of the internet, the effects of cyberbullying can be long-lasting and damaging to an individual's mental health and livelihood.

However, by raising awareness, using available digital tools to protect oneself, and seeking legal and emotional support when necessary, victims of adult cyberbullying can regain control over their online and offline lives. In a world where the lines between the digital and real worlds are increasingly blurred, addressing adult cyberbullying is essential to fostering healthier, safer online communities.