Activitity 9 in Empowerment Technology

1. CYBER BULLYING AND
INTERNET ADDICTION

2.  Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over
digital devices like cell phones, computers, and
tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS,
Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums,
or gaming where people can view, participate in,
or share content.

3.  Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or
sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content
about someone else. It can include sharing
personal or private information about someone
else causing embarrassment or humiliation.
Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful
or criminal behavior.

4. The most common places where
cyberbullying occurs are:
 Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram,
Snapchat, and Twitter
 SMS (Short Message Service) also known as
Text Message sent through devices
 Instant Message (via devices, email provider
services, apps, and social media messaging
features)
 Email

5. Special Concerns
With the prevalence of social media and
digital forums, comments, photos, posts, and
content shared by individuals can often be viewed
by strangers as well as acquaintances. The content
an individual shares online – both their personal
content as well as any negative, mean, or hurtful
content – creates a kind of permanent public record
of their views, activities, and behavior.

6. This public record can be thought of as an
online reputation, which may be accessible to
schools, employers, colleges, clubs, and others
who may be researching an individual now or in the
future. Cyberbullying can harm the online
reputations of everyone involved – not just the
person being bullied, but those doing the bullying or
participating in it. Cyberbullying has unique
concerns in that it can be:

7.  Persistent – Digital devices offer an ability to
immediately and continuously communicate 24
hours a day, so it can be difficult for children
experiencing cyberbullying to find relief.
 Permanent – Most information communicated
electronically is permanent and public, if not
reported and removed. A negative online
reputation, including for those who bully, can
impact college admissions, employment, and
other areas of life.
 Hard to Notice – Because teachers and parents
may not overhear or see cyberbullying taking
place, it is harder to recognize.

8. Laws and Sanctions
While all states have criminal laws that apply
to bullying, not all have special statutes that apply
to cyberbullying or bullying that takes place outside
of school. Schools may take action either as
required by law, or with local or school policies that
allow them to discipline or take other action. Some
states also have provisions to address bullying if it
affects school performance. You can learn about
the laws and policies in each state, including if they
cover cyberbullying.

9. Definitions
A frequently used definition of cyberbullying
is "an aggressive, intentional act or behavior that is
carried out by a group or an individual, using
electronic forms of contact, repeatedly and over
time against a victim who cannot easily defend him
or herself.

10. There are many variations of the definition,
such as the National Crime Prevention Council's
more specific definition: "the process of using the
Internet, cell phones or other devices to send or
post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass
another person."

11. Cyberbullying is often similar to traditional
bullying, with some notable distinctions. Victims of
cyberbullying may not know the identity of their
bully, or why the bully is targeting them. The
harassment can have wide-reaching effects on the
victim, as the content used to harass the victim can
be spread and shared easily among many people
and often remains accessible long after the initial
incident.

12. The terms "cyberharassment" and
"cyberbullying" are sometimes used synonymously,
though some people use the latter to refer
specifically to harassment among minors or in a
school setting.

13. Tips to Stop Cyberbullying
 Don’t respond. If someone bullies you,
remember that your reaction is usually exactly
what the bully wants. It gives him or her power
over you. Who wants to empower a bully?
 Don’t retaliate. Getting back at the bully turns
you into one and reinforces the bully’s behavior.
Help avoid a whole cycle of aggression.
 Save the evidence. The only good news about
digital bullying is that the harassing messages
can usually be captured, saved, and shown to
someone who can help. You need to do this even
if it’s minor stuff, in case things escalate.

14.  Talk to a trusted adult. You deserve backup. It’s
always good to involve a parent but – if you can’t – a
school counselor usually knows how to help.
Sometimes both are needed. If you’re really nervous
about saying something, see if there’s a way to report
the incident anonymously at school.
 Block the bully. If the harassment’s coming in the
form of instant messages, texts, or profile comments,
do yourself a favor: Use preferences or privacy tools
to block the person. If it’s in chat, leave the “room.”
 Be civil. Even if you don’t like someone, it’s a good
idea to be decent and not sink to the other person’s
level. Also, research shows that gossiping about and
trash talking others increases your risk of being
bullied. Treat people the way you want to be treated.

15.  Don’t be a bully. How would you feel if someone
harassed you? You know the old saying about
walking a mile in someone’s shoes; even a few
seconds of thinking about how another person
might feel can put a big damper on aggression.
That’s needed in this world.
 Be a friend, not a bystander. Watching or
forwarding mean messages empowers bullies
and hurts victims even more. If you can, tell
bullies to stop or let them know harassment
makes people look stupid and mean. It’s time to
let bullies know their behavior is unacceptable –
cruel abuse of fellow human beings. If you can’t
stop the bully, at least try to help the victim and
report the behavior.

16. Internet Addiction
Internet addiction is described as an impulse control
disorder, which does not involve use of an intoxicating drug
and is very similar to pathological gambling. Some Internet
users may develop an emotional attachment to on-line
friends and activities they create on their computer screens.
Internet users may enjoy aspects of the Internet that allow
them to meet, socialize, and exchange ideas through the use
of chat rooms, social networking websites, or "virtual
communities."

17. Other Internet users spend endless hours
researching topics of interest Online or
"blogging". Blogging is a contraction of the term
"Web log", in which an individual will post
commentaries and keep regular chronicle of
events. It can be viewed as journaling and the
entries are primarily textual.

18. Similar to other addictions, those suffering
from Internet addiction use the virtual fantasy world
to connect with real people through the Internet, as
a substitution for real-life human connection, which
they are unable to achieve normally.

19. What are the warning signs of
Internet addiction?
 Preoccupation with the Internet. (Thoughts about
previous on-line activity or anticipation of the next
on-line session.)
 Use of the Internet in increasing amounts of time
in order to achieve satisfaction.
 Repeated, unsuccessful efforts to control, cut
back or stop Internet use.

20.  Feelings of restlessness, moodiness, depression,
or irritability when attempting to cut down use of
the Internet.
 On-line longer than originally intended.
 Jeopardized or risked loss of significant
relationships, job, educational or career
opportunities because of Internet use.

21.  Lies to family members, therapists, or others to
conceal the extent of involvement with the
Internet.
 Use of the Internet is a way to escape from
problems or to relieve a dysphoric mood. (e.g.
Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, anxiety,
depression.)

22. What are the effects?
Internet addiction results in personal, family,
academic, financial, and occupational problems that are
characteristic of other addictions. Impairments of real
life relationships are disrupted as a result of excessive
use of the Internet. Individuals suffering from Internet
addiction spend more time in solitary seclusion, spend
less time with real people in their lives, and are often
viewed as socially awkward. Arguments may result due
to the volume of time spent on-line. Those suffering
from Internet addiction may attempt to conceal the
amount of time spent on-line, which results in distrust
and the disturbance of quality in once stable
relationships.

23. Some suffering from Internet addiction may
create on-line personas or profiles where they are
able to alter their identities and pretend to be
someone other than himself or herself. Those at
highest risk for creation of a secret life are those
who suffer from low-self esteem feelings of
inadequacy, and fear of disapproval. Such
negative self-concepts lead to clinical problems of
depression and anxiety.

24. Many persons who attempt to quit their
Internet use experience withdrawal including:
anger, depression, relief, mood swings, anxiety,
fear, irritability, sadness, loneliness, boredom,
restlessness, procrastination, and upset
stomach. Being addicted to the Internet can also
cause physical discomfort or medical problems
such as: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, dry eyes,
backaches, severe headaches, eating irregularities,
(such as skipping meals), failure to attend to
personal hygiene, and sleep disturbance.

25. How can someone get help?
The first step is to determine if there is a
problem. A Certified Addictions Counselor trained in
identification and treatment of Internet addiction can
effectively perform an assessment to determine what
level of care is most appropriate. For a free confidential
assessment, call the Illinois Institute for Addiction
Recovery at (800) 522-3784. An assessment can be
completed 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are
always welcome.
Sources: "Virtual Addiction" David N. Greenfield,
Ph.D., "Caught in the Net" Dr. Kimberly Young, Center
for Internet Addiction Recovery, American Psychiatric
Association.