Amid the enormous power of social networks and the constant presence of the internet in our lives, cyberbullying has emerged as a widespread problem, and millions of people, mostly young people, are its victims. Unlike conventional bullies, who can only attack during school hours or in other public places, cyberbullies can strike at any time and in any place, using social networking sites, messaging apps, email, discussion forums and more. While face-to-face bullying is limited to particular moments, cyberbullying goes on constantly, and because internet users often do not know the people they are bullying, its psychological and emotional impact is all the greater. Among its many harms, the damage that cyberbullying does to a person’s self-image and mental health is one of the most serious.

What is cyberbullying?

Most cases of cyberbullying involve the use of the internet to intimidate, threaten, mock or victimise another person. It can take various forms, including:

• Harassment. Sending abusive, mean or menacing messages to someone on a continuous basis.
• Doxing. Publishing someone’s private or personal information online without their consent.
• Impersonation. Pretending to be someone else in order to post malicious content in their name on social platforms.
• Public shaming. Teasing or bullying a person on social networks, forums, online communities or anywhere else that can be seen by other people.
• Exclusion. Deliberately leaving someone out of activities, groups or conversations carried on over the internet.

Because cyberbullying happens out of sight and so frequently, it is not easy for the victim or the authorities to identify. With cyberbullies all around them, and constantly connected to the digital world, victims feel they cannot escape their harassers.

The effects of cyberbullying on self-esteem

Self-esteem is the overall evaluation each person has of their own worth. It is an essential part of our mental and emotional foundation. When someone is subjected to cyberbullying, their self-esteem can be profoundly affected in the following ways:

1. Loss of confidence

Cyberbullying often involves repeated abuse of a particular person, with negative messages about their appearance, ability or character. In the long run these messages have a damaging effect on the victim’s self-esteem, and they begin to question their own value. Regular bombardment with degrading words means that people start to agree with these demeaning thoughts and feelings; they come to accept that they have no right to love, respect or success.

2. Fear of judgement

People who are cyberbullied may become overly concerned about how they are being received, thinking that they are being watched or mocked. The fear that one’s online activity is being monitored leads people to withdraw from social relationships, both online and in the physical world. Some victims stop posting pictures on their social media profiles or contributing to discussions that interest them, for fear of further harassment. This can create long-term avoidance, which leads to feelings of alienation and loneliness and further erodes self-esteem.

3. Body image issues

In many cases, especially among teenagers and young people, cyberbullying targets physical appearance. Criticism of their body, weight, facial features or dressing style is not uncommon for victims. This kind of bullying can lead victims to develop body dysmorphia or an unhealthy body image, because they start to see themselves as the bully sees them. Such a mindset lowers self-esteem further and can lead to harmful behaviours, including eating disorders or extreme dieting.

The impact on mental wellbeing

The consequences of cyberbullying are not only lower self-esteem but also psychological harm. Repeated experiences of online harassment can result in a range of psychological disorders, many of which become chronic if left untreated.

1. Increased anxiety

The first real impact of cyberbullying is increased anxiety among those involved or known to be involved. Victims may constantly look over their shoulder or be afraid to open their social network pages. This constant worry can turn into anxiety or chronic stress, which keeps people from concentrating at school, work or other tasks. Besides being emotionally draining, anxiety often brings physical symptoms too: headaches, stomach aches or lack of sleep.

2. Depression

The longer a person is exposed to cyberbullying, the more likely they are to develop depression. Victims dwell on their experiences and sink into hopelessness and despair. In the worst cases, cyberbullying can lead to suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide. Other signs of depression include poor performance at school or loss of a job, poor communication within one’s social circle, having no friends, avoiding social activities and a very poor quality of life.

3. Social withdrawal

Because of the emotional distress they suffer at the hands of cyberbullies, victims often become socially isolated and avoidant. Some feel too embarrassed, too ashamed or too scared of becoming the next laughing stock. This social isolation makes the feelings of loneliness and sadness worse, deepening withdrawal and depression.

4. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

More severely, some victims of cyberbullying develop signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may have flashbacks, nightmares or a heightened sensitivity to anything connected with the bullying. Because cyberspace is active almost all the time, victims can feel at risk even in the comfort of their own homes, and fearful of meeting or interacting with other people in the future.

Why cyberbullying is particularly dangerous

Cyberbullying is especially damaging compared with traditional bullying for several reasons:

• Permanence. Once something is posted on the internet, it cannot necessarily be deleted. When someone posts cruel words or embarrassing pictures, or spreads rumours, the material can keep circulating, so it seems as if the bullying never stops.
• Anonymity. Many people hide behind anonymity on the internet, which is why they feel free to be cruel to others without worrying about what might happen to them. Victims may not even know who is pursuing them and trying to harm them.
• Inescapability. Unlike physical bullying, which happens in specific places such as schools and public spaces, cyberbullying can happen at any time. Victims may be attacked in the comfort of their own home, leaving them with no sense of refuge at all.

Coping with cyberbullying

While cyberbullying can have severe effects on self-esteem and mental wellbeing, there are ways to reduce its impact:

1. Seek support

One of the most effective steps is to ask friends, family or a counsellor for help. With the support of friends and others, victims feel they are not alone and gain ways of dealing with their feelings.

2. Limit social media use

To avoid the negative side of social media platforms, it is wise to spend less time on them. Practical tactics include avoiding particular social media sites, not using electronic devices for long stretches, and keeping realistic expectations of yourself and of others.

3. Report and block

Many social media platforms and websites let you report bullying and block abusive users. These tools can help any victim and prevent further harassment.

4. Practise self-care

Regular exercise, keeping a diary, knitting or other creative work can help restore self-esteem and improve mental health. Spending quality time with yourself and building good coping mechanisms go a long way towards overcoming the effects of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is destructive to self-esteem and emotional wellbeing, and at times its impact can be lethal. It leaves lasting feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and social isolation, among others. But when victims ask for help, act to protect themselves and practise self-care, they can draw a line and begin the process of recovery. As cyberbullying becomes an essential part of public discussion, positive change in the behaviour of those who take part in the online world should be encouraged, through respect for individual rights and an honest look at the motives that drive online behaviour, so that the online world changes for the better.