Cyberbullying

[*susan* 1,709]

In this day and age, most of us share a great deal of information about ourselves in "cyberspace." Whether it be here on LBT, other forums, blogs, MySpace, Facebook, etc., we put a lot of information about ourselves out there for others to see. By doing so, we may also be putting ourselves in a vulnerable position for cyberbullying.

A friend of mine shared an interesting article with me today. I wanted to take this opportunity to pass it on to all of you as a reminder that we need to be careful of how we portray ourselves, what information we share with people and who we choose to share it with, as we never know when it may backfire against us.

"Cyberbullying: Adult Cyber Bullying? Cyber-Bullying is a problem that affects adults as well as children. Read this story from a former cyberbully who, after mending her ways, found herself the target of cyberbullying."

Click here to read the full online article:

Adult Cyberbullying

[ColoradoChick 33]

This is a very scary and real phenomenon! I know of 4 people in the last couple of years that have been a victim of this type of behaviors to varying extents. I was actually a victim and it is terrifying! Many people think that this only happens with children but sadly adults take part as well.

I found this paragraph especially interesting -

If you are active in the blogosphere, be very wary of any people who are wrapped up in “online drama” or associated with anything regarding “drama” (unless it's of the theater-type). These people will often turn on their own if you choose to not be a part of their circle. They are often just groups of cyberbullies, and if they decide that you have done something against them, you will become their new target.

[Apples2 19]

Susan...thanks for sharing the info. I have always been a little aprehensive about putting too much personal info "out there". Do we really know what someone would do with what we share? Nope, I think not. Whether it be with children or adults we all need to be careful how much is shared.

Personally, LBT has been a great way for me to meet friends, compare life stories, etc. But, I only trust personal info through email after "knowing" someone for some time.

[*susan* 1,709]

CC, I wasn't aware you were a victim of this. You are right, it is very un-nerving and we have to be careful what we put out there about ourselves and who we share it with.

Apples, I think you have played it very smart by being apprehensive about what you put out there. I have been working on educating my children about this and stressing to them how vital it is that they are careful.

[Boo Boo Kitty 3]

Susan...thanks for sharing the info. I have always been a little aprehensive about putting too much personal info "out there". Do we really know what someone would do with what we share? Nope, I think not. Whether it be with children or adults we all need to be careful how much is shared.

Personally, LBT has been a great way for me to meet friends, compare life stories, etc. But, I only trust personal info through email after "knowing" someone for some time.

Apples I agree but it is very sad to have to NOT be yourself and feel guarded and fearful. The real problem is when you share with people you thought were your friends and they use against you.

We are all here for support and it is hard to get support without being honest--I feel it is a catch 22.

This is a very scary and real phenomenon! I know of 4 people in the last couple of years that have been a victim of this type of behaviors to varying extents. I was actually a victim and it is terrifying! Many people think that this only happens with children but sadly adults take part as well.

I found this paragraph especially interesting -

If you are active in the blogosphere, be very wary of any people who are wrapped up in “online drama” or associated with anything regarding “drama” (unless it's of the theater-type). These people will often turn on their own if you choose to not be a part of their circle. They are often just groups of cyberbullies, and if they decide that you have done something against them, you will become their new target.

I couldn't have said this better myself. If you ever utter the words "What will happen when they get mad at me" to yourself--get out of that friendship FAST! Trust me on that one!

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,281]

This is a very scary and real phenomenon! I know of 4 people in the last couple of years that have been a victim of this type of behaviors to varying extents. I was actually a victim and it is terrifying! Many people think that this only happens with children but sadly adults take part as well.

I found this paragraph especially interesting -

If you are active in the blogosphere, be very wary of any people who are wrapped up in “online drama” or associated with anything regarding “drama” (unless it's of the theater-type). These people will often turn on their own if you choose to not be a part of their circle. They are often just groups of cyberbullies, and if they decide that you have done something against them, you will become their new target.

Yes, this is very interesting and great to get educated on. CC, I too found this quote especially interesting.

Apples, you are very smart in being apprehensive on what you share.

Good read, thanks Susan.

[Apples2 19]

Boo Boo...My true self comes through and do not feel I am guarded when potraying what I have to say in a conversation. I share my feelings, my opinions and most generic things that are going on in my life. I just never want to share enough to be in that risk category. There are just some personal things...i.e. photos, name, city, etc. that I have as a rule not to share "out there". (See my signature line).

We all have our opinions and the right to share them. Not everyone is going to agree with what a person has to say. But we should all have the common curtesy not to pick on a person or gang up on an individual. Unfortunately, it does happen and feel for those of you that it has happened to.

The info provided in this thread is a heady reminder to all of what can (and does) happen.

I have always appreciated how quickly our LBT moderators come to the surface and take care of business.

[ColoradoChick 33]

Yes, it happened to me. A brother in law posted about killing me on the internet. He posted terrible things about me based solely on my weight. This is the reason I use Miss Piggy as my online picture. I figured if he was going to post that I was a big fat pig then I should at least pick what kind of pig I wanted to be! lol

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,281]

Yes, it happened to me. A brother in law posted about killing me on the internet. He posted terrible things about me based solely on my weight. This is the reason I use Miss Piggy as my online picture. I figured if he was going to post that I was a big fat pig then I should at least pick what kind of pig I wanted to be! lol

lol! Well darlin' I've always loved Miss Piggy. What a fabulous Pig to be.

[*susan* 1,709]

CC, that is horrible. Bad enough to have people judge us because of our weight, but then to cyberbully us about it is even worse.

But, I agree with Diva, I do like Miss Piggy. Porky Pig was always kind of cute, but he doesn't have near the class as Miss Piggy.

[*susan* 1,709]

Thanks, Jack. I thought it was a very good one too.