When Technology is Used for Bad

The internet has proven to be an amazing tool for students. Young people are using it for fun, research and above all, communications. E-mail, Facebook, chat rooms and instant messaging are being used so people young and old can stay in touch. When these online forms of communication first became popular, it seemed as if it was the perfect way to stay in touch with friends, family and others. However, what no one foresaw was the negative effect it could have on young people. Today’s young internet users have created an interactive community away from their parents. Children and teens are now using these mediums to bully and harass others. 27% of children who are bullied endure this over the internet. Teachers and parents have enough trouble dealing with bullying in schools. In this technological world that we live in, they now need to try and monitor the internet to keep bullies at bay.


These sites have made it much easier for bullies to get other children involved in their actions. Sites such as Facebook have allowed young people to create a virtual community of people against another. One may create an inappropriate group about someone, where everyone can make their comments. This is just as harmful, if not more so than what goes on in the classroom or school yard.



Instant messaging is another online communication community and yet another forum for online bullying. This type may be the most harmful of all because it will go unnoticed unless the victim steps forward and tells a trusting adult. It is interesting that this bullying medium, internet, affects the ethical behavior of children. These young bullies cannot see instant feedback on the consequence of their actions. This lack of feedback means that they do not feel empathy for their victims because they cannot see the harm they are doing.

Online bulling is an example of a negative action that arises when a new form of media is introduced. In this case, the medium is internet and the original purpose was research and communication throughout the world. Unfortunately, this communication community is now used by people young and old in negative ways. It is only a matter of time before this problem becomes a serious global issue.



By: Tamra Barlow