Stereotypical images of overweight, Cheeto-stained agoraphobes living in their mother's basement are a thing of the past. Cyberbullies are beginning to evolve into a more mobile, sunlit lifestyle thanks to smartphone apps.
Apps such as Hot or Not and Lulu allow for individuals to objectify complete strangers. A great confidence boost if you're pretty; however, anyone less than a perfect 10 is likely to feel the lash of cyber mobs.
Yik Yak is an app that allows users to anonymously send and view posts to everyone within a 10-mile radius. However, Yik Yak became a problem in many school systems due to the ability to post hateful messages anonymously.
This anonymity gives cyberbullies power.
Apps such as these seem like harmless fun for many, but the implications of the actions taken on these apps, and apps like them, are real. It is not necessary to know who is declaring insults for feelings to get hurt.
Empathy is lost when faced with the cold glow of a computer screen. Subtle facial expressions we pick up on in order to communicate effectively, such as a sudden twitch of the corner of the mouth or an upturned eyebrow, can't be seen on social media.
These subtle cues serve as a filter and prevent us from intentionally hurting one another. Looking at a glass screen and becoming detached is far too easy.
Detachment opens a doorway to a cold, objective analysis that feels less than human. People become works of art presented to be critiqued and objectified in ways that would never be done in-person.
That's not to say cyberbullies are not prominent on popular social media sites like Facebook or Twitter.
While incidents of cyberbullying that reach national attention generally involve middle and high school students, the scope with which cyberbullies can reach victims is ever increasing.
Threats against Auburn High School linebacker Rashaad Evans over signing with the University of Alabama is only the latest in a long list of cyberbully victims.
Though we were shocked, the decision was ultimately Evans', and we respect him for it. Social media posts hoping for permanent injury displays fanaticism at its worst.
Those who take part in intentional cyberbullying are cowards and are not worth the time it takes to explain to what they likely already know.
We fear devolution of interpersonal communication resulting from lack of experience. The immediacy of the Internet allows for people to respond with immediate, knee-jerk reactions without thinking critically.
Take our advice: If you wouldn't say it to someone's face, don't say it at all.
Cyberbullying turns a channel for communication into a wall for target practice. Those who stop to take aim need to go out and get a life.
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