-http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/109493104323024500
--One of the more recognized instances of cyberbullying occurred when Eric Harris, one of the killers in the Columbine High School massacre, put up a web site where he discussed murdering fellow students, although no action was taken against Harris by the authorities at the time.
Another notable example was the Star Wars kid whose classmates uploaded video footage of him posing as the Star Wars character Darth Maul onto Kazaa in 2003. The footage was downloaded extensively and modified causing the subject extensive embarrassment resulting in psychiatric treatment.
People Magazine (March 21, 2005) reported on a case involving a 13 year old boy who committed suicide as a result of cyberbullying. His classmates had been taunting and teasing him about his size via instant messages for about a month.
explore the psychological aspects in these cases in depth...this internet bullying and psychology go hand in hand because what you read on the internet is all how you interpret it, there isn't a specific tone of voice. it's hard to know what the person truly means when they say it, if they are being serious, joking, sarcastic, etc. turns into a psychosocial problem.
best information to get
-columbine, people with websites involving killing people who have followed through with this...publicity stunt?
-more on myspace & suicides from cyberbullying
-randoms victims stories
-to catch a predator...chris hansen msnbc
-book "psychology of the internet"
-http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/109493104323024500
With the rising technological advancement, the younger generation is becoming
more and more involved in internet activity. If these kids have any
knowledge on how to use a computer, they can easily create an account on any
social network. Many different issues arise with this new online social
life. Although the internet can link these students to their friends, it
can also put them at risk of potential harassment or danger. With rising
problems of online predation today, we are forced to look at ways to protect
these children's overall well-being. How could we better educate the
younger population on internet safety, and whose responsibility should this
be? In addition to their involvement, should these social networks also
take precautions?
It seems as though until we
are old enough to lecture our own children that we are constantly being told
what we should and should not do. Now that we are more involved with
technology we must not only educate children on different face to face social
interactions but also safety when online. Most kids are more involved in
the internet at home, so it seems most obvious to have the parents monitor
their activity. It is possible for the parents to create barriers on the
internet that only allow their children access to certain websites. This
is very effective, however, most find it logical to trust their children and
allow them to create accounts on certain websites such as MySpace, Facebook, or
Twitter. Even if they monitor their children's activity, things can still
go wrong. These same protective parents can even become too
involved. We see this in the case of Megan Meier, a young girl who took
her own life because of online harassment. After a fight between friends,
the daughter of Curt and Lori Drew decided to play games with Megan through a
fake MySpace account, a boy they named "Josh Evans". The Drew's
were aware of this fake account and the hoax their daughter and her friends had
set up. The situation escalated as "Josh" became disrespectful
and mean towards Megan, which lead her to suicide. Because of this story,
we see internet disputes becoming more of a problem than regular social
disputes. "Squabbles that would take days to percolate
in person can within seconds explode into full-blown wars. Disputes can also
become painfully public. Sites allow users to rank their "Top
Friends," so that the ever-shifting alliances of a clique are posted, for
all to see, in a sort of popularity ledger." It comes to the point
where we must decide whether to take more action in internet safety. I
believe the educators in the schools should also take part in this
responsibility. Because we are continuously revolving our lives around
the internet, and even more now in schools, it seems almost necessary to have
educators stress precautions for the web. These issues could be brought
about in a health lesson plan
Some may find it obvious that when creating a page for
themselves in the digital world, that they must understand the risks involved
in putting their name and face on the net.
However, with the youth now being involved in this world, should these
websites be taking preventative measures as well? Parents and teachers can emphasize the
importance of these online dangers, but can only go so far. For example, with MySpace, they require their
users to be 14 years of age or older, but have no way of proving that a user is
of age to use the website.
Even when a violation IS substantiated,
in most instances, there is an inherent inability to effectively bar an abuser
from a free site. Since the information provided in the membership application
is NOT routinely verified, it is relatively easy to open a completely
fictitious account under a new persona.
How could we better educate the younger population on internet safety? Should it be the parents responsibility or the educators? In addition to this
It seems as though until we are old enough to lecture our own children that we are constantly being told what we should and should not do. Now that we are more involved with technology we must not only educate children on different face to face social interactions but also safety when online. Most kids are more involved in the internet at home, so it seems most obvious to have the parents monitor their activity. It is possible for the parents to create barriers on the internet that only allow their children access to certain websites. This is very effective, however, most find it logical to trust their children and allow them to create accounts on certain websites such as MySpace, Facebook, or Twitter. Even if they monitor their children's activity, things can still go wrong. These same protective parents can even become too involved. We see this in the case of Megan Meier, a young girl who took her own life because of online harassment. After a fight between friends, the daughter of Curt and Lori Drew decided to play games with Megan through a fake MySpace account, a boy they named "Josh Evans". The Drew's were aware of this fake account and the hoax their daughter and her friends had set up. The situation escalated as "Josh" became disrespectful and mean towards Megan, which lead her to suicide. Because of this story, we see internet disputes becoming more of a problem than regular social disputes. "Squabbles that would take days to percolate in person can within seconds explode into full-blown wars. Disputes can also become painfully public. Sites allow users to rank their "Top Friends," so that the ever-shifting alliances of a clique are posted, for all to see, in a sort of popularity ledger." It comes to the point where we must decide whether to take more action in internet safety. I believe the educators in the schools should also take part in this.
"Annals of Crime: Friend Game"
An article about Megan Meier, a teenage girl who committed suicide due to being taunted on MySpace.
"Virtual Rape Is Traumatic, but Is It a Crime?"
An blog posted by "Regina Lynn" that argues the fact that virtual rape can cause emotional distress, however shouldn't be a matter for courts.
"A Rape in Cyberspace"
A chapter from a book by Julian Dibbell that tells the story of a virtual rape via LambdaMOO.
I first read about Megan Meier, which is a true story about a young teenage girl who was taunted by a fake account on MySpace. I had seen this story on E! before, however, the article made me think more about the story. I thought this was the most legitimate article I read, because it is a true story and was easy to apply to things that are happening today. The fact that girls can be so hurtful that it could lead someone to take their own life is just appalling. Also, the fact that parents were aware of this online hoax and did not stop it just boggles my mind. Where is the maturity? By reading this article and the others it made me stop and again think about how the virtual world is becoming such a huge social network that it is just as realistic as if these things were happening face to face. Peoples feelings are now just as involved in these social networks as they are in normal social interactions. Which brings me to the second article about virtual rape. Reading into this article I sided mainly with the author. This virtual rape, is, excuse my language, one big mindfuck. Now that we have all these younger people experiencing the online world that has many predators we are forced to monitor these childrens actions and make sure they won't be playing with the wrong people, virtually. It's sad to think that our society has come to the point where we have a show on MSNBC called To Catch a Predator. I'm glad these pigs are getting the shit scared out of them and punished. However, I think that if the person is of age (adult) and they are both messaging each other online, it is possible to be "virtually raped" but, I don't know if it is right to go as far as to punish the "rapist." Sure, what they are doing is just creepy and wrong and they may be a threat, but, it all just seems to complicated to be brought into a courtroom. I know it can cause emotional distress to the victim however, they could of prevented it by simply refusing to talk to these strangers online. I believe this goes for the last article too on LambdaMOO. People involving themselves in this network should also be aware of the threat of an online predator. When you are exposing yourself to the internet, you are exposing yourself to millions of people, all with different personalities and intentions. The "Mr. Bungle" character was the person who was problematic on this website. The things he said to people in this virtual world were disgusting, and were brought to the users of this websites attention. They were appalled, even to the point of tears. I understand their point of view however, I think they need to be more aware of people like this that could be using these websites. I do agree that these people are sick-minded, but we have to come to the realization that they are out there, and do our best to just eliminate them from the website because it is unrealistic to think that we could send them all to prison.
TMI (Too Much Information)
"Too many people know too much about each other. Our new environment compels commitment and participation. We have become irrevocably involved with, and responsible for, each other." (24)
I believe that this quote is important because it is becoming ever so true. With all the things we are able to do on the internet we are becoming increasingly more aware of what everyone we know is doing at all hours of the day. With programs such as AOL Instant Messanger, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc. We are able to monitor the status of people at every second of the day and although it may be helpful sometimes, it is more expected that we should know about certain events in peoples lives and we are expected to acknowledge and care more and more. Our lives are becoming a post for the world to see.
What's the Newest News?
"Electric circuitry profoundly involves men with one another. Information pours upon us, instantaneously and continuously. As soon as information is acquired, it is very rapidly replaced by still newer information." (63)
Michelle Forgione
This concept interested me because I tend to keep up on my current events and news, especially when at school. However, sometimes it becomes overwhelming with the amount of information pouring into the different news stations. Take for instance, when Michael Jackson passed this summer. Nearly every television station immediately switched its regular scheduled programming to inform and continually update you on the status of what happened to Michael, why he could've died, then why he did, and so on. It was almost misleading if you weren't continuously watching it, because new information was streaming in minute by minute. Even now, after almost 2 months since his passing, we are hearing that he may be "still alive" or different reasons for his death and how it may be someone elses fault. Like the quote says, we are constantly hearing newer information about not only topics like Jacksons death, but several other current events. This becomes so much so that it becomes hard to keep up with the truth.
Don't Always Believe What You Hear...Or See
"Most people find it difficult to understand purely verbal concepts. They suspect the ear; they don't trust it. In general we feel more secure when things are visible, when we can "see for ourselves." We admonish children, for instance to "believe only half of what they see, and nothing of what they hear." All kinds of "shorthand" systems of notation have been developed to help us see what we hear." (117)
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