Cyberbullying? well what is cyberbullying it is the act of using electronic communication tools, such as social media platforms or messaging apps, to harass, intimidate, or harm others. This issue has become a widespread issue in today’s digital age, with serious consequences for the mental health and well-being of those involved. One of the significant impacts of cyberbullying is the development of anxiety disorders in its victims. Anxiety is a common psychological response to stressful or threatening situations. In the context of cyberbullying, individuals who are targeted often experience extreme levels of anxiety due to the constant fear of further online harassment. The internet can amplify the impact of cyberbullying, as victims may feel like there is no escape from the ongoing attacks. This chronic stress can lead to the development of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The impact of cyberbullying on anxiety is not limited to the immediate distress caused by online harassment. Victims may also experience long-term psychological effects. Persistent anxiety can affect various aspects of a person’s life, including their relationships, academic or professional performance, and overall well-being. The constant worry and fear associated with cyberbullying can lead to a decrease in self-esteem and self-confidence, making it challenging to engage in social interactions or trust others. A longitudinal study conducted by Hinduja and Patchin (2018) further supports the link between cyberbullying and anxiety. Their research followed a large sample of adolescents over time and found that victims of cyberbullying were more likely to develop anxiety symptoms as they aged. The study also highlighted that the duration and intensity of cyberbullying experiences were positively associated with increased anxiety levels. Another study I also looked at published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology revealed that victims of cyberbullying were more likely to experience offline anxiety symptoms as well.
For individuals already predisposed to anxiety, cyberbullying can further their symptoms. Those with pre-existing anxiety disorders may experience extreme levels of anxiety, panic attacks, or even a relapse in their recovery. The constant exposure to negative and hurtful online content can trigger intrusive thoughts a, perpetuating a cycle of anxiety and distress. It is important for individuals with anxiety disorders who experience cyberbullying to seek support from mental health professionals and find healthy coping mechanisms to manage their symptoms. Furthermore, cyberbullying can result in a negative cycle of anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence mentioned that individuals who experienced cyberbullying were more likely to develop higher levels of anxiety and, in turn, engage in more avoidant behaviors. These avoidant behaviors, such as withdrawing from social interactions or avoiding certain online platforms, which these things can cause isolation and steer them away from even being social.
In conclusion, cyberbullying has a significant impact on the mental health of its victims, particularly in terms of anxiety. The constant fear, stress, and worry associated with cyberbullying can lead to the development or exacerbation of anxiety disorders. It is truly important to raise awareness about cyberbullying, provide support systems for victims, and promote responsible online behavior to create a safer digital space for everyone. So everyone can feel safe and their mental health can continue to be healthy. Throughout my research multiple studies have demonstrated the extreme impact of cyberbullying on anxiety.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126576/
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology Published By: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers
Cyberbullying is just a different league of bullying; it gets dirty and complex, making the victims suffer. Then, the thought that nothing online is deleted. It is forever in the cloud of information that is the internet. It is a repeated offensive, threatening or humiliating experience for those who are the victims (Greenwood, 2023). It is basically harassing an individual, the victim, to succumb into making them develop negative feelings.
I can imagine that in a case scenario, a victim is just looking at her phone, anxiously waiting for a tag, message, post, or video. The unknown of what the bullying is about would cause stress or feeling threatened at that moment. Then, the aftermath of the post or whatever that would be broadcasted online have that be on a cycle could lead to generalized anxiety disorder. It was shown that the rates of stress, depression and anxiety are higher amongst students involved in cyberbullying than those who aren’t being bullied online (Greenwood, 2023).
Being this new in the internet age, we are still getting better at handling online issues. Discussions about this can progress the necessity of fixing this matter affecting many people. Soon, I like to be hopeful and think there will be a solution to make people feel safe online and give people the online environment to have good mental health.
Source:
Greenwood, M. (2023, January 5). The Impact of Cyberbullying on Mental Health. News-Medical.net. https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Impact-of-Cyberbullying-on-Mental-Health.aspx