Media Ethics: Addressing Cyberbullying and Digital Safety
A closer look into the severity of negative harassment online and how to protect yourself from this content.
What is Online Harassment and Digital Safety:
Online harassment occurs when an individual uses digital platforms to intimidate, send threats, or cause harm to others. It can take place on social media, messaging apps, emails, or any online space where people interact. Digital safety involves protecting oneself from these threats by using appropriate security measures. The use of media ethics and responsible online behavior is critical in safeguarding the public from cyber threats and ensuring a safer digital environment for all users.
How does media ethics play into this?
Media ethics plays a crucial role in addressing online harassment and promoting digital safety. It is important for platforms to encourage healthy and responsible communication. Popular platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram have guidelines and rules designed to prevent media harassment. Additionally, these platforms provide reporting systems that allow users to flag content if it violates community standards and has not already been addressed. Hate speech, violent content, bullying, and other harmful material can be reported through these systems. Not only does this hold users accountable for their content, but it also requires platforms to act ethically to maintain trust and good standing with their users.
The idea of being anonymous
By hiding behind anonymous or ‘ghost’ accounts, people have begun to say and act in ways that would not be acceptable in face-to-face interactions. On one hand, this anonymity allows individuals to express their thoughts and opinions freely without fear of judgment. On the other hand, it enables harmful behavior to go unchecked. This is a critical issue, as it can directly harm others and foster a negative online environment without oversight.
A prime example of this is body shaming on platforms like TikTok. When individuals post content that shows their full body, they often receive negative comments about their physical appearance. This can have severe emotional effects, leading creators to develop a toxic self-image. It is crucial for users to engage responsibly online and uphold the same ethical standards they would in real-life interactions."
Cyberbullying The Movie 2011
How this visual movie depicted the extensive harm cyberbullying can have and the ethical responsibility individuals should take to prevent these situations.
Online Harassment – The movie illustrates how anonymous users can encourage unethical behavior online. Taylor, the main character, experiences severe cyberbullying, highlighting how people exploit digital spaces to harm others without accountability.
Responsibility of Platforms and Users – The film raises important questions about the role of social media platforms in allowing harmful content to persist without intervention.
Mental Health and Ethical Use of Media – Cyberbullying can lead to severe emotional distress. The movie emphasizes that ethical media use requires empathy and accountability, even when posting anonymously.
Privacy and Consent – The film strongly addresses ethical concerns surrounding privacy. The main character is exposed online without her consent, demonstrating how social media can violate personal boundaries.
Respecting Privacy and Consent
Avoid sharing personal information, images, or messages of others without people consent. As well as your own.
Be mindful of what you post, ensuring it doesn’t violate someone’s privacy
Use privacy when posting your own content