As a New York therapist, it hurts me to say that I have had one too many clients walk in through my office doors and say, "I have been a victim of online or cyberbullying." More often than not, these clients come to me for help in overcoming panic attacks, anxiety, crippling self-worth, suicidality, and more. I think back to the first time I worked with a client who had been on the receiving end of cyberbullying, and I recall how I wanted to reassure them and tell them that this was just a blip in their life and that it would pass. However, I had to catch myself and remember that the internet is often ruthless, insidious, and lasting. It was and remains my duty not to indulge them, but rather to focus on equipping my clients with the tools of empowerment, resilience, and mental fortitude to cope with this evolving problem.
Bullying is no new concept, but the rapidly expanding digital landscape has made anonymity much more accessible, hence making bullying much more acute and chronic. Research indicates that 50% of teens in the United States have experienced online bullying, with the primary tone of the bullying being centered around negative comments on another's appearance (Vogels, 2022). In this blog, we will cover the what, why, and how of the effects of cyberbullying and how to overcome them.
Defining cyber-bullying
Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that occurs on digital devices, such as computers, tablets, and mobile phones. Cyberbullying can manifest through text, applications, or online platforms such as social media, forums, or gaming platforms, where individuals can view, contribute to, or distribute content. Cyberbullying is the act of sending, publishing, or sharing negative, detrimental, deceptive, or mean content about another person. It may involve disclosing intimate or private information about another individual, resulting in disgrace or humiliation. Certain forms of cyberbullying constitute criminal or illicit conduct.
The most frequent locations where cyberbullying occurs are:
Social media platforms, including Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
Electronic mail
Online gaming communities like Discord
Messaging applications and text messaging on mobile or tablet devices
Online forums, discussion rooms, and message boards, including Reddit
Direct messaging and instant messaging
Growing prevalence of cyberbullying in the digital age
According to a 2016 study, 73% of students have experienced bullying at school at least once in their lifetime. Between 2010 and 2021, the proportion of pupils who reported experiencing cyberbullying in their lifetime more than doubled (Hinduja & Patchin, 2021). The internet's anonymity can embolden individuals to engage in harmful behavior without considering the consequences.
Impact of cyberbullying on mental health and well-being
Cyberbullying can have a devastating impact on the mental health and well-being of those affected. Victims often experience increased levels of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts as a result of the relentless harassment they face online. The constant barrage of hurtful messages and negative comments can erode their self-esteem and sense of self-worth (Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R, 2014).
There are several social media influencers and celebrities that have highlighted their experiences with cyberbullying:
1. Jessie Paege: Jessie Paege, a prominent social media influencer and YouTuber, has been candid about her experiences with cyberbullying. She has disclosed the significant negative effects of the continuous stream of online harassment and negative comments on her mental health, which resulted in severe anxiety and depression. 2. Leslie Jones: The actress and comedian, who is most renowned for her roles in the 2016 Ghostbusters film and Saturday Night Live, was subjected to severe cyberbullying on Twitter. The emotional strain brought on by bigoted and misogynistic remarks led to her temporary removal from the platform. 3. Charlotte Dawson: Charlotte Dawson, a model and reality TV personality from Australia, was the victim of persistent cyberbullying on social media. The severe online harassment made her depression worse, and she tragically died by suicide. 4. Zoella (Zoe Sugg): Zoella, a British beauty and lifestyle YouTuber, has been the subject of online abuse for the entirety of her career. She has been subjected to severe criticism, cyberbullying, and negative comments, which have had a detrimental impact on her mental health, despite her widespread popularity. 5. Millie Bobby Brown: The young actress, who is renowned for her role in Stranger Things, has encountered substantial cyberbullying, which has included false accusations and homophobic memes. Her temporary departure from Twitter underscored the severe impact of cyberbullying on even young personalities as a result of the online abuse.
Consequences of Cyberbullying
Anxiety and depression are prevalent among victims at an elevated rate.
The persistent and pervasive nature of online harassment frequently results in heightened levels of anxiety and depression for victims of cyberbullying (Kowalski, Giumetti, Schroeder, & Lattanner, 2014). This typically shows up as a baseline dysregulated nervous system manifesting as generalized anxiety disorder, or panic disorder. For example, a victim of cyberbullying may develop a sense of overwhelming anticipatory anxiety when texting friends in fear that they are "mad at them" or are stonewalling them only to surprise them with discontentment or upset.
Negative Effects on Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
Continuous exposure to personal attacks and negative comments through cyberbullying can significantly reduce a victim's self-esteem and perception of self-worth (Hinduja & Patchin, 2021). This may lead to a completely altered sense of self that may manifest as hyper-scrutiny of the self and hypercorrection.
Potential for Long-Term Psychological Trauma
The psychological consequences of cyberbullying can extend beyond the immediate distress, resulting in persistent mental health challenges and long-term psychological trauma (Kowalski et al., 2014).The persistent nature of cyberbullying and the enduring digital footprint it leaves make it a uniquely detrimental behavior. In contrast to conventional bullying, which is typically restricted to specific locations and times, cyberbullying can follow victims at any given moment. The content frequently remains accessible online indefinitely, resulting in repeated exposure that reinforces trauma each time the victim encounters it (Kowalski, Giumetti, Schroeder, & Lattanner, 2014). Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) may result from this ongoing exposure. C-PTSD is a result of chronic trauma, such as protracted tormenting, in which the victim feels entrapped and unable to flee. Emotional regulation challenges, persistent melancholy, difficulties in relationships, and feelings of worthlessness are among the symptoms. The sense of helplessness victims feel can have a significant negative impact on their mental health and overall quality of life (Hinduja & Patchin, 2021). The negative messages that victims receive are frequently internalized, resulting in long-term psychological issues. Repeated exposure to detrimental comments can erode self-esteem and contribute to feelings of self-loathing and humiliation. Eventually, victims may begin to perceive themselves through the perspective of their abusers, thereby assuming the negative identity that has been imposed upon them. Depression, anxiety, and the inability to establish a healthy self-identity may result from this internalized negativity (Kowalski et al., 2014).Furthermore, cyberbullying may induce social isolation. In order to prevent additional damage, victims may disengage from social interactions, which can exacerbate feelings of depression and loneliness. Especially when bullying involves acquaintances or peers, the betrayal of trust can lead to enduring issues with intimacy and trust. This can be challenging for victims to establish or sustain relationships, as they are apprehensive about experiencing further harm (Hinduja & Patchin, 2021). Cyberbullying can have a severe, long-term effect on mental health. Long after the tormenting has ceased, numerous victims endure chronic melancholy, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. The psychological trauma can also manifest physically, resulting in sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal issues, and migraines. In severe instances, cyberbullying can impede an individual's capacity to function in daily life, thereby impacting their academic or professional performance and overall well-being (Kowalski et al., 2014).
Practical interventions for victims of cyberbullying
To address the psychological trauma that cyberbullying causes, targeted and compassionate therapeutic interventions are essential. Therapists are essential in assisting victims in the process of re-establishing their self-esteem, fostering resilience, and managing the long-term repercussions of online harassment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective methods for resolving the anxiety, melancholy, and low self-esteem that frequently accompany cyberbullying incidents. Clients can identify and contest the internalized negative thoughts and beliefs that bullying has influenced through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Clients can begin to construct a positive self-image and diminish the influence of the detrimental messages they have received by reframing these beliefs. Additionally, the main goal of CBT is the development of coping mechanisms, such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, and problem-solving abilities (Kowalski, Giumetti, Schroeder, & Lattanner, 2014).
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Trauma-focused therapy, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and techniques and elements derived from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), can be very helpful for people who have been severely or long-term victims of cyberbullying. These therapies are intended to assist individuals in the process of healing and processing the trauma by allowing them to revisit the traumatic events in a secure and controlled environment. These methods enable clients to reprocess traumatic memories, thereby reducing their emotional charge and facilitating the integration of the experience without it continuing to dominate their thoughts and emotions (Hinduja & Patchin, 2021).
Group therapy
Cyberbullying victims can share their experiences in a safe environment during group therapy and feel understood by other people who have gone through similar things. This sense of community can be exceedingly therapeutic, as it mitigates feelings of isolation and humiliation. Additionally, group therapy offers participants the chance to learn from one another's coping strategies and establish a shared sense of empowerment. Peer support within these organizations can be a critical factor in the development of resilience and the restoration of self-esteem (Kowalski et al., 2014).
Psychoeducation and Skills Training
It is imperative to inform clients about the psychological consequences of cyberbullying during therapy. Psychoeducation assists clients in comprehending that the adverse emotions they are experiencing are a typical reaction to maltreatment and not indicative of their value. Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training, including assertiveness training, can enable clients to advocate for themselves in online environments. Practical skills that can mitigate the ongoing effects of cyberbullying include the ability to establish boundaries, report abusive behavior, and withdraw from detrimental interactions (Hinduja & Patchin, 2021).
Digital Literacy and Online Safety
Additionally, it may be advantageous to integrate online safety education into therapy. By instructing clients on digital literacy, privacy settings, and secure online practices, they can regain a sense of control over their online presence. For young clients who might feel overwhelmed by the online world, this can be particularly empowering. Anxiety can be alleviated and confidence in navigating online spaces can be increased by comprehending how to manage their digital footprint and safeguard themselves (Kowalski et al., 2014).
The Bottom Line
There are a lot of things you can manage on your own; unfortunately, this may not be one of them. Considering the severity and chronic nature of online bullying, finding a professional who gets it can seriously help. At Boundless, we have a great degree of compassion, empathy, and understanding of the serious consequences of cyberbullying. With a team comprised of competent millennials, we have seen firsthand the growth and overwhelm of cyberbullying as the reach of the internet has grown. Our team specializes in CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, EMDR, and AIP techniques. If you feel like you could benefit from a helping hand, we are here to assist. Schedule a 15-minute free consultation with one of our team members today to see if we can help you reclaim the narrative and find joy again.
Summarizing Cyberbullying On Mental Health And Practical Ways To Combat It
Step 1
• Cyberbullying involves harassment through digital platforms such as social media, email, online gaming, messaging apps, and forums.
• The anonymity of the internet often makes cyberbullying more severe and enduring.
Step 2
Step 3
References
Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2021). 2021 cyberbullying data. Cyberbullying Research Center. https://cyberbullying.org/2021-cyberbullying-data
Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2014). Bullying in the digital age: A critical review and meta-analysis of cyberbullying research among youth. Psychological Bulletin, 140(4), 1073-1137. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0035618
Patchin, J. W., & Hinduja, S. (2021). 2021 cyberbullying data. Cyberbullying Research Center. https://cyberbullying.org/2021-cyberbullying-data
Vogels, E. A. (2022). Teens, social media and technology 2022. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022
Authors
Prerna Menon
LCSW | CCTP
Specialties: survivors of childhood sexual abuse & incest survivors, existential crisis, race-based stress, gender identity & sexuality-related conflicts, cross-cultural issues, addiction, international students, family issues & acculturation
Sam Urell
LCSW | CASAC-T | CTP
Specialties: complex trauma, addiction, relationships/attachment, LGBTQIA+ identity issues & exploration, existential crisis, men's mental health, anxiety, mood/emotional dysregulation, psychedelic integration
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