Feb 17 • 15:00 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

Cyberbullying: a problem of technology or a reflection of ourselves?

The article discusses how online bullying reflects personal relationships and values rather than being solely a technological issue.

The article explores the nature of cyberbullying through the insights of Julija Markeliūnė, the head of digital inclusion at Telia. She argues that the focus should not merely be on the technology or platforms facilitating these interactions but rather on the values and relationship dynamics that individuals carry with them into the digital space. Markeliūnė emphasizes that online bullying rarely arises in isolation; it is a continuation of the same relational patterns and values individuals exhibit in their everyday lives. Personal values such as respect, self-control, and accountability play a significant role in determining how individuals behave online.

Markeliūnė points out that individuals with strong values and respect for others are less likely to engage in bullying, whether in personal interactions or in comments online. Conversely, the online environment can sometimes foster negative behaviors due to the distance created by screens, which can diminish empathy and self-regulation. Social media platforms create a specific psychological effect that reduces users' awareness of the impact of their words on others. This environment may lead individuals to act in ways that they might not consider acceptable in face-to-face interactions.

Overall, the article encourages a reevaluation of how society views cyberbullying, urging a shift from blaming technology to understanding and addressing the underlying interpersonal issues and values that contribute to such negative behaviors. It suggests that fostering a culture of respect and responsibility in both online and offline interactions is crucial for combating the issue of cyberbullying.

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