Redefining Cyberbullying In The Age Of Apathy By Ben Borrok

In the article “Redefining Cyberbullying In the Age of Apathy”, Ben Borrok asserts that in modern times cyberbullying should be considered independent from traditional bullying because it causes a chain reaction of hate and negativity and gives bullies the ability to conceal their identity. Initially, the author alludes to the extensive hostility online does not lead to a spur of the “perpetrator’s own confidence” and instead “arrives at the next victim” (Borrok 3). The author touches on how there is a continuous effect when someone gets cyberbullied and that the hate is spread onto others due to a lack of satisfaction on the harasser’s end. He then brings up how “school-age children” are thought of more when traditional bullying is mentioned,

A key deviation would not only be the extent of the harassment, but also the reactions that they garner from their victim. This is essential as the feeling of remorse “isn’t possible online”, because there is “no satisfaction” for these harassers due to their blatant ignorance aimed at “others’ feelings and situations” (Borrok 8). When bullying happens face-to-face, the tormentor can perceive their victim’s reaction, which in some cases may be enough to invoke some contrition and even convince the oppressor to stop. The perpetrator recognizing that they “will never have to answer” to the person that they are hurting is backed up by the fact that they simply “don’t care” about the ever-lasting effect they have on others (Borrok 10). Borrok keys in on the certitude that apathy is what fuels the cruel disregard online, as the harassers feel a sense of safety knowing that the victim can not retaliate, as they don’t know the identity of the

A pivotal variation between cyberbullying and traditional bullying is that victims of traditional bullying eventually break free from the persistent humiliation. Charlotte Dodds, a criminologist and sociologist, mentions how the speed that different forms of media can travel along with the “permanency of the internet” will only make it easier for the cyberbully to “[humiliate] the victim in the process” (Dodds par. 9). This form of embarrassment can lead to detrimental psychological effects long-term such as everlasting anger and deep-rooted depression. These series of untamed emotions are likely to cause serious mental health conditions such as anxiety, social isolation, low self-esteem and more.These disorders can end up needing years of therapy and also have the chance to cause alcohol abuse or drug addiction. This formula for inevitable danger can lead to a massive implosion of built-up emotions with the victim lashing out on everyone around them. Cyberbullying also significantly increases the chance that a victim would consider harming themselves severely. A licensed clinical social worker, Frances Dalomba, calls forth the despondent statistic of suicide remaining as the leading cause of death for children “under age 14” and even how it has increased by “50