Bullying vs Cyber Bullying
While both bullying and cyber bullying involve intimidation and abuse of individuals, they differ in the context in which they occur. Bullying encompasses physical, verbal, and emotional abuse in various social settings. In contrast, cyber bullying takes place through the use of technology, primarily targeting young people.
Key Takeaways
- Bullying occurs in real social contexts, while cyber bullying occurs in the cyber space through technology.
- Identifying the bully is easier in traditional bullying, but more difficult in cyber bullying.
- Action against bullies is more feasible in traditional bullying, while it is harder to take action against cyber bullies.
What is Bullying?
Bullying refers to the repeated use of force or authority to overpower another individual, resulting in an imbalance of power, which can be social or physical. Bullying can manifest as verbal, physical, or emotional abuse and often stems from a person’s inability to cope with a targeted individual. It can take place in various settings, such as schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and even between countries or states. Some states have enacted laws against bullying, indicating its severity as a societal issue.
What is Cyber Bullying?
Cyber bullying involves using information technology and communication tools to engage in hostile behavior towards another individual or group, with the intent to cause harm. This form of bullying predominantly affects young people and can take place through various means, such as cell phone text messages and emails. Cyber bullying is difficult to detect, as bullies can easily hide their identities, making it challenging for victims to identify their harassers. Many campaigns have been launched worldwide to raise awareness and promote laws against cyber bullying.
What is the Difference Between Bullying and Cyber Bullying?
Bullying and cyber bullying differ in several ways. While bullying involves power and authority in real social contexts, cyber bullying occurs through the use of technology in the cyber space. Identifying the perpetrator is easier in cases of traditional bullying, but it becomes more challenging in cyber bullying situations. Consequently, taking action against bullies is more feasible in traditional bullying cases, while it is harder to tackle cyber bullies. Moreover, while individuals of all ages can be victims of bullying, cyber bullying victims are primarily young people.
