Cyber-bullies, Trolls, and Stalkers-Not just a teenage problem

    Definition of Cyber-Bully (Troll)
    Cyber-bullying (Trolling) involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others. Cyber-bullying can be as simple as continuing to send e-mail to someone who has said they want no further contact with the sender, but it may also include threats, sexual remarks, pejorative labels (i.e., hate speech), ganging up on victims by making them the subject of ridicule in forums, and posting false statements as fact aimed at humiliation.

    Cyber-bullies may disclose victims’ personal data (e.g. real name, address, or workplace/schools) at websites or forums or may pose as the identity of a victim for the purpose of publishing material in their name that defames or ridicules them. Some cyberbullies may also send threatening and harassing emails and instant messages to the victims, while other post rumors or gossip and instigate others to dislike and gang up on the target. Research had demonstrated a number of serious consequences of cyber-bullying victimization.[4][5][6][7] For example, victims have lower self-esteem, increased suicidal ideation, and a variety of emotional responses, cyberbullying back, being scared, frustrated, angry, and depressed.[5]

    One of the most damaging effects is that a victim begins to avoid friends and activities, often the very intention of the cyber-bully.

    Cyber-bullying campaigns are sometimes so damaging that victims have committed suicide. There are at least four examples in the United States where cyber-bullying has been linked to the suicide of a teenager.[5] The suicide of Megan Meier Meieris a recent example that led to the conviction of the adult perpetrator of the attacks.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a growing problem in today's "connected" world, and does not just happen inside our schools and among our youth. There is an entire new breed of bullies being born every day in the online world, and they are just as harmful as those in our schools. They just as much pain and suffering, they are just as mean spirited and look to inflict as pain upon their victim as they can, and to repeat the pain as often as possible.

Some states have seen this trend, and are doing something about it by creating laws to protect the victims. However when the laws are not clear, the victim is left wondering where they turn to for help. There needs to be a larger effort made to help ensure no one, no matter their age, gender or race is made to be a victim of a cyber-bully or a cyber-stalker.

As a blogger, you are a prime target with personal information being shared in an open forum. From mail fraud, identity theft, and daily harrassment, there are many ways social networking can be used to create false or attacking digital footprints online.

In fact, recently Sue Scheff was awarded an 11million dollar settlement against one such cyber stalker online that turned to creating false sites and information about her.

There are some things you can do if you are the target of one of the many cyber-bullies running around online. Our panel knows first hand the many ways these cyber-bullies will try and attack you, and have unique ways to help deal with them.

From first hand accounts of mainstream media attacks, google "bombing", how to protect yourself and your identity, and when to turning to the law for help, they will answer your questions on how to prevent getting into the situation and if you are, the steps you need to take from that point forward.

Your Panelists are:
Trisha of MomDot.com
Shellie of Blog4Mom.com

*more to come*

Return to Room of Your Own submissions