Cyberbullying: The Harmful Effects Of Social Media

In the new, ever growing society, there have been many technological advances, but have they all been an advantage? Stephen Ward stated, “We need to take seriously the idea of media harm. Physical harm through violence or wreckless acts is obviously wrong. Too many people regard the damage done by communicating, electronically or otherwise, to be a lesser harm, or not really a harm at all.” Social media, such as Facebook etc., have been more harmful and divisive than helpful. Our society is so consumed with the media that a world without it is thought to be impossible. Many believe that social media is advancing our society and growing relationships that would otherwise not exist because of distance or nationality, but the media has become

The days in which young people were able to get away from negative influences and bullying are over. According to stopbullying.gov, “Digital devices offer an ability to immediately and continuously communicate twenty-four hours a day, so it can be difficult for children experiencing cyberbullying to find relief.” Teen suicide rates have skyrocketed due to the residual effects of cyberbullying. Sydney L. Brunecz states, “Cyberbullying has become an epidemic in today's society. Cyberbullying has escalated so much that some victims commit suicide in order to escape their tormentors.” Just recently, on March 6th, 2018 a twelve-year-old boy named Andrew Leach committed suicide after being tormented day after day on the media. His mother stated, “Oh my God, my heart has been ripped out of my chest and shattered into a million pieces.” Many innocent lives, like Andrew’s are lost due to the long term effects of negative social media. Yes, social media can in a sense cause the death of the many lives that would otherwise be living happy and healthy lives. Social media was made to help, not hurt. The opposite effect has occurred and is ruining the lives of the victims and their