English for Academic and Professional Purposes (EAPP), ABM

February 15, 2022

How Cyberbullying Affects Mental Health

The use of social media is rampant these days, with people posting whatever they want on

the internet. However, an increasing number of people, particularly Generation Z, are starting

to minimise their use of social media. They begin to deactivate, if not completely deleting

them. The main reason could be “cyberbullying”. Cyberbullying is when a person uses

technology to bully another person. It can be vicious and never-ending, with tragic

consequences towards the victim, such as low self-esteem, social anxiety, and depression.

This type of bullying has negatively impacted the lives of victims. Because of this, it can

affect their self-esteem. People who have been abused online may develop self-consciousness

and low confidence. The most common type of harassment youth encounter online is

name-calling. Some 42% of teens say they have been called offensive names online or via

their cellphone. Additionally, 32% of teens say someone has spread false rumors about them

on the internet, while 16% have been the target of physical threats online (Anderson, 2018).

Cyberbullying can also contribute to body image issues. This is particularly true when the

harassment is directed at their physical appearances. They may start to feel afraid to go out in

public or socialise with others.

Furthermore, poor self-esteem can lead to social anxiety. This happens when someone is

afraid of being humiliated or being judged badly by others. People who suffer from social

anxiety are constantly self-conscious in social situations. The bullies are likely to ruin the
victim’s self-esteem, affecting their wellbeing. Aside from that, many victims of

cyberbullying are harassed anonymously. That is to say, they have no idea who bullied them

or what their names are, and the bully could be anyone. Some victims of cyberbullying suffer

from anxiety as a result of these factors.

Being the victim of cyberbullying can cause stress, which can lead to depression.

Researchers have discovered a strong link between bullying and depression. Although

depression is a complex disorder with many causes, it is evident that it has a correlation to

bullying. Both bullies and their victims are more likely to suffer from depression than those

who are not involved in bullying. According to a study by Bauman, Toomey, & Walker

(2013), cyberbullying has increased the likelihood of victims developing depressive

symptoms. Another similar study conducted by Nixon (2014) stated that the higher levels of

cyberbullying victimisation are associated with higher levels of depressive effect.

Cyberbullying is a problem that is difficult to solve in societies that have the capability to

connect with other people online. Cyberbullying can affect anyone, but is most prevalent

among today’s youth. It disrupts everyday life, causes emotional distress, and may also cause

physical harm. Although technology has provided students and teenagers with new

opportunities, it is crucial that they learn to utilise it wisely.

 Works Cited

Anderson, Monica. “A Majority of Teens Have Experienced Some Form of

Cyberbullying.” Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech, Pew Research Center:

Internet, Science & Tech, 27 Sept. 2018,

www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/09/27/a-majority-of-teens-have-experienced-some

-form-of-cyberbullying/

Bauman, Sheri, et al. “Associations among Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Suicide in High

School Students.” Journal of Adolescence, vol. 36, no. 2, Apr. 2013, pp. 341–350,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2012.12.001

Nixon, Charisse. “Current Perspectives: The Impact of Cyberbullying on Adolescent

Health.” Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, Aug. 2014, p. 143,

https://doi.org/10.2147/ahmt.s3645