“Why is it important to work to delete cyberbullying?”
This new era of continuous technological advancements gives rise to profound innovation,
ingenuity and tremendous collaboration. At the same time, recognizing the challenges that comes
with this expansive usage of technology, particularly cyberbullying is of paramount importance
and concern.
As a victim of cyberbullying, I was left perplexed, discouraged and with many unanswered
questions. During my undergraduate junior year, I became a finalist in a national scholarship photo
contest. The scholarship award was twofold: Financial aid for the upcoming semester as well as a
sum of money for the college to assist students most in need. The last round of the competition
required casting votes via multiple social media platforms. Ultimately, the finalist with the most
votes would be declared the grand prizewinner. I kicked off my voting campaign with heightened
enthusiasm and overwhelming support from many departments on campus. As I was ahead the
lead in the homestretch, I received a disturbing message via Facebook from someone using a fake
account. Appalled by the message that ridiculed my front teeth and legs in my portrait entry for
the competition, I immediately went into a state of shock. Self-doubt and uncontrollable
insecurities loomed large in my mind. Within an abrupt blink of an eye, my outlook diminished
from purposefully diligent and optimistic to credulous and unworthy. This was a deeply
challenging time and like similar victims, I experienced significant emotional and psychological
distress.
Advancing the importance to commit to delete cyberbullying progressively assists with limiting
physical, mental, social and even life threatening effects. These growing pains infiltrate the holistic
wellbeing of both victims and their loved ones in far reaching ways. Becoming reduced to the cruel
and vicious accusations, victims lose sight of their physical beauty. Battling isolation and intense
anger, they resort to self-inflicted injuries and unhealthy habits causing major eating disorders in
hope of erasing their turmoil.
triumphed over their encounter.