Facebook and Twitter have become a huge part of cyber bullying, which can lead to individuals experiencing issues such as anxiety, depression and contemplating suicide. Cyber bullying is a severe case that can harm the lives of others, and this is found to be very common amongst teenagers. Michele Hamm, a researcher in pediatrics at the University of Alberta, did a study in order to suggest the effects of cyber bullying on social media. She states, “One of the 10 studies did follow the teens over time and found that the cyber bullying preceded the teens’ depression, hinting at a casual relationship. The research also found that the more cyber bullying a teen experiences, the more his or her symptoms of depression.” (Pappas, 2015). A majority of teens today are finding themselves more and more involved in social media and are not aware of the effects is has on others.  

     Social media is used by millions of teenagers in the world and is used for both good and bad purposes. According to the anti-bullying website, NoBullying.com, “A vast majority of social media bullying takes places on Facebook because of its open platform and ability to make open posts or send individuals private messages. In fact, according to a report by the Washington Post, nine out of 10 teen Facebook users have reported they have witnessed bullying on this social media site” (“Social Media Bullying” 2014). 80% think it is easier to hide online bullying from parents than in person bullying (“Internet Safety” 2013). This is why majority of teenagers face experience with depression and anxiety because they do not tell their parents or an adult. Keeping their emotions inside and letting the bullying continue is what keeps triggering this cyber bullying issue.

     Another issue with cyber bullying is many people may take what someone says the wrong way since they cannot fully comprehend the person’s tone or attitude, which is why it is easier for teens to feel bullied on social media*. Cyber bullying is found to be more common than face to face bullying because users find it easier to say abusive things behind a screen than in person.” When children, and many adults for that matter, aren’t talking to someone face-to-face, they are less likely to feel the implications of what they are really saying. It is too easy to say something you wouldn’t say to someone else if they were standing right in front of you. In addition, it can be difficult to portray tone and intent in written words.” Many victims may take what people say the wrong way on social media.

     Cyber bullying is an important topic that people need to be aware of because more and more people are taking their own lives or becoming seriously affected by cyber bullying. Especially for parents, they need to make sure their children are not facing cyber bullying and they need to pay attention to their social media accounts. According to the Internet safety website, “68% of teens agree that cyber bullying is a serious problem in today’s youth”  (“Internet Safety” 2013). If people see or hear about this type of behavior happening it is important for them to make sure the victim is okay and address this issue immediately. Bullying needs to stop because it affects more people than you may think.

Works Cited

“Social Media Has Become a Serious Problem.” NoBullying.com, Web. 25 May. 2014.

                              “Internet Safety 101” Web 2.0, Web. 2013

                              Pappas, Stephanie. Cyberbullying on Social Media Linked to Teen Depression. Live Science, Web. 22 June. 2015.