Cyber Bullying and its effects on Mental Health

Victims who were bullied at a young age have a higher risk of developing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and suicidality. A study reported that an alarming 87 percent of today’s youth have witnessed cyberbullying and 34 percent have been victims of cyber bullying. It is a new form of aggression that is being used by bullies to taunt their victims through the use of online social media platforms.

Although traditional bullying is still more common than cyberbullying but in most cases the victims who are bullied in person are also bullied online. With 57.6% of the world’s population relying on social media platforms to interact with their peers, cyber bullying numbers have been on the rise.

Depression

Cyber and all other forms of bullying, have a massive impact on the victim’s mental health. According to research, traditional bullying during the teenage years may double the risk of depression in adulthood, and its effects can be as harmful or even worse than child abuse. The study’s authors also found that there is a consistent link between cyberbullying and an increased likelihood of depression.

Low Self- Esteem

Cyberbullying impacts a victim’s self-esteem and results in them feeling unloved, inadequate and incompetent. In fact, 83 percent of cyberbullying victims felt that bullying hurt their self-esteem. People who consistently suffer from lowered self-esteem develop major disorders like depressive disorder, eating disorders, anxiety disorders and substance abuse disorders.   

Suicidal Thoughts

A study conducted by Swansea University concluded that victims of cyber bullying are twice as likely to be suicidal and inflict self-harm. According to Hinduja and Patchin (2015) it is important to stress that cyberbullying itself most likely does not lead to suicide attempts. Cyberbullying can, however, contribute to aggravating an already stressful life situation further, which in turn may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.

Anxiety

In a study run by Duke University, researchers found that people who were bullied were more likely to have an increased rate of anxiety and panic disorders. These studies concluded that experiencing bullying has a lasting impact on mental health outcomes.

The research has been clear that cyberbullying can have lasting, detrimental impacts on a victim’s mental health. Cyberbullying can take a significant toll on its victim by impacting their social life, their mental health, and their academic performance. It is also important to note that although verbal abuse of traditional bullying may last a

few minutes but cyber bullying may last forever as mean comments posted on a social media platform may never be taken down.