02, May, 2024
From Blogger to Target: Renuka’s Story of Cyberbullying and How to Fight Back
Renuka, a 22-year-old from Varanasi, is a passionate blogger who shares her thoughts, experiences, and perspectives with her followers through her blog. She has built a dedicated community by sharing her journey, insights, and passions online. She enjoys this work and loves doing it. Her latest article, tackling a public issue, sparked some disagreement among her audience. While it’s natural for people to have different perspectives and the right to express them, Renuka has become a victim of the harsh side of this.
She is being harassed by a person through messages and comments, facing a daily barrage of negative interactions from fake IDs. The messages are very disrespectful and contain threats, while the comments are filled with unusual and disturbing content
Effects of Cyberbullying on Renuka:
Emotional Impact: The constant barrage of hurtful messages had a profound effect on Renuka’s emotional well-being. She experienced sadness, anger, frustration, and helplessness as a result of the cyberbullying.
Impact on Reputation: The content of the messages and comments she received put Renuka’s reputation as a blogger at risk. Negative or defamatory statements damaged her credibility and influence within her online community.
Professional Implications: Cyberbullying affected Renuka’s professional reputation and opportunities, especially if her blog was connected to her career goals or professional endeavors. Employers, clients, and collaborators might form negative opinions based on false or harmful information spread by cyber bullies.
Loss of Trust and Safety: Renuka felt betrayed and unsafe in online spaces where she once felt comfortable sharing her thoughts and experiences. Harassment from fake accounts eroded her trust in her followers and the online community, leading to increased caution and hesitation to engage online.
Understanding the Reasons
Why did Renuka become a victim of cyberbullying?
- Jealousy or Envy: Renuka’s success as a blogger may have triggered feelings of jealousy or envy in others who wish to undermine her achievements or popularity.
- Disagreement or Opposition: Renuka’s blog may have addressed controversial topics and expressed opinions that some individuals strongly opposed. As a result, they resorted to cyberbullying as a means of silencing or discrediting her
- Anonymity and Lack of Consequences: The anonymity offered by online platforms may have encouraged individuals to behave in ways they wouldn’t in person. Perpetrators possibly felt detached from the consequences of their actions, leading them to lash out at Renuka without fear of repercussions.
- Seeking Attention or Entertainment: Some individuals engage in cyberbullying for the sake of attention or entertainment, finding satisfaction in causing distress to others or inciting drama online.
Dealing with Cyberbullying
Our team provided Renuka with emotional support and guidance. We assisted her in reporting the abusive user to the platform and in documenting the harassment. We also helped her report the incident to the government authorities.
Renuka’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of online safety. By being aware of the risks and taking preventative measures, we can contribute to creating a more positive and inclusive digital space for everyone.
If you are facing cyberbullying, know that you are not alone. Reach out to CyberB.A.A.P for support and guidance. We are here to help you navigate this challenging situation.
Together, we can work towards making the internet a kinder, more respectful space for all.
Source: Cases reported on our portal.All identification information has been changed to safeguard the privacy of the victims