As I scroll through my social media feed, I am disheartened by the overwhelming amount of hate and harassment that dominates our online spaces. Once a niche concern, cyberbullying has now grown into a full-blown crisis. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram, intended to bring people together, have instead become breeding grounds for toxicity.
The statistics are alarming. Nearly half of all teenagers report experiencing online harassment, while six in ten have been bullied online. The consequences are devastating: shattered self-esteem, crippling anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Cyberbullying doesn’t just ruin lives; it tears families apart.
What fuels this epidemic? Is it the anonymity of the internet, which reduces people to faceless avatars? Or the algorithms that prioritise sensationalism over sanity? Perhaps it is our collective failure to teach empathy and kindness in the digital age.
We must acknowledge that cyberbullying is not just a technical issue; it is a human one. We need to confront the darker aspects of our nature and take responsibility for our actions online. Social media platforms must enhance moderation and reporting mechanisms. Parents, educators, and community leaders must foster open conversations about cyberbullying.
As individuals, we can make a difference. We can choose to engage positively, report harmful content, and support those affected. We can promote empathy and kindness online, just as we would in our local communities.
MOHAMMED SALEEM,
Hub.
