Recently, advent of social media platforms has been a revolution, as they have become essential in our ways of living, providing means for societal communication, bonds, and forming a community. Nonetheless, the vast pluses of social media are combined with a series of problems, and cyberbullying is one of the major among them.

Cyberbullying is the utilization of electronically communicated platforms to target, harass or belittle other parties, especially the youth, and it has become a tremendous concerning factor concerning mental health. 

Cyberbullying can take many forms, including:

Cyberstalking is wide in range, and it includes online profiling, monitoring, observing, eavesdropping, as well as stalking of others, the victim usually ends up with fear, anxiety, as well as powerlessness. 

How Cyberbullying Stifles Our Confidence

The effects of cyberbullying on mental health can be profound and long-lasting. Victims of cyberbullying may experience the following:

Anxiety and Depression

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The continuous flow of addresses or comments that can be considered threats and even offensive could create a really critical situation in social media and result in feelings of anxiety, depression and even self-esteem issues. The mental fatigue of being constantly under threat of such aggression and the psychological consequences of going through such events can seriously deteriorate mental health, leading to a decrease in the overall mental state. 

Isolation and Loneliness

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Cyberbullied victims may experience deep feelings of low intimate relationships and incomprehension from their peers when they try to find a safe haven from bullying. Users of online platforms subjected to targeted attacks may tend to isolate themselves and their actions, making it very tough for them to communicate with their closest relatives. Besides keeping people from connecting with others, it may even increase the feeling of despair and hopelessness among them, thus leading to compounding the negative influence on mental health. 

Suicidal Ideation

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Among the worst scenarios is when cyberbullying becomes so intense that victims start to have suicidal thoughts. Continuous attacks on one's mental acuities, public degradation, and torment, which can be assonated with blows of a hammer, are no joke to the young and the mentally vulnerable. For some, ending their lives may become a way out of the entire mental distress they experience. Consuming negativity all the time and not having help might make the victims feel void and vulnerable, increasing their chance of developing suicidal intentions and behaviours. 

How to Step in And Take Prevention Measures

Effectively tackling and resolving cyberbullying requires a multi-path strategy that includes parents, educators, policy materials, and the internet world. Some strategies include:

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Cyberbullying is eminently one of the most persistent and widespread forms of online threat against mental health, which is a matter of concern. Considering the fast pace and characteristics of digital technology evolution, it is crucial to place cyberbullying among the priority issues, combat it, and make efforts to support a safe online environment for everyone. Through raising consciousness, strengthening resilience and understanding digital education, we can act as a team to fight cyberbullying and take care of the mental health of community members all around. 

Note: Heart It Out offers frequent therapy sessions to help reduce people's distress. Feel free to visit our website to speak with one of our licensed therapists or other health professionals. You can also schedule an online or offline session with one of our psychotherapists in Bangalore.