Have you stopped to
consider what you are doing? Wait before you pass the picture of the young girl,
have you stopped to consider how she might feel? “I doubt it because it's just the
internet right! No big deal right”. Wrong there are thousands of people that are
humiliated by embarrassing photos of them sometimes photo’s that were taken to create awareness about certain skin conditions or lack of nutrition. Most of
the time these pictures (MEMES) are created and shared without their consent.
Yet the nefarious
nature of adding what is known as a “caption” to the image might create
unwanted attention that can be hurtful and damaging to a young mind behind the
computer screen. THIS IS KNOWN AS THE MONSTER who changes faces, his name is
cyber-bullying. Yes! Passing around a picture that you deem as funny might
actually have a long term effect on the people in those pictures. It seems
harmless yet cyber-bullying is one of the many struggles that people still face
all over the world.
Place yourself in the
shoes of the individual who has been laughed at or called names repeatedly and
not just by acquaintances but by strangers too. Now imagine looking into the mirror and seeing all those hurtful words imprinted on your skin. Self-confidence is now at an all-time zero. How do we expect that individual to converse or fit
in with society? This evil build of emotion creates an outcast out of the
individual leading to many dysfunctional attributes about one's character.
But there is good news there are many ways to check yourself from time to time !!
- Check yourself, use the “Think” analogy to see if you are not becoming a monster
- Stay private be aware of the types of photo’s you post and who has access to them
- Moms, dads become more aware of what your children are doing. Become technology aware.
- Use the parenting sites to monitor your children's internet activity
- Get involved with SID (safer internet day) this is a fun way to familiarize yourself with internet safety.
Fortunately there are people who care out there visit SaveTnet
SafeTNet Cyber Safety is an organisation that aims to save lives by creating awareness for responsible digital engagement and offers support to people who are in trouble. People don't realize that by adding their Like, Share or Comment to online posts, they are actually becoming part of the distribution channel of that post, which could have legal implications.