Unethical Use of Technology: Cyberbullies

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CEBC - Rotary High School Ethics Essay Competition, 2007-2008

Second Place Essay

Unethical Use of Technology: Cyberbullies

Drew Koppe

North High School ~ North Saint Paul, MN

Technology is great; it can also be horrible. Technology allows us to do things some people would have never imagined, but is also easily used unethically.

The Internet can be used in many unethical ways. One way is cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is bullying and harassment through e-mail, instant messaging, text messages or websites. Some examples are hacking into someone else’s instant messenger or email account to get private information, sending untrue information or threats, creating websites that make fun of someone, posting embarrassing pictures or videos, or blogging embarassing information.

Boys and girls cyberbully in different ways. Boys more commonly cyberbully by sending sexual messages or by threatening to hurt someone. Girls often spread rumors or send messages that make fun of others. Because of easy access to the Internet, cyberbullying has become more common than in-person bullying.

People tend to say things online that they wouldn’t say face to face because they feel anonymous. People use fake names or pose as someone else. Tracking down an online identity can be almost impossible. Even if the identity is known, they feel they can behave differently because they are behind the computer screen. It takes less courage to type than it does to say those things in person. Cyberbullies don’t need to be big or strong. Cyberbullying is easy and causes the same effects as bullying in person like lower school grades, low self-esteem, fear or depression.

Cyberbullying is no doubt unethical. Even if joking around you can hurt someone’s feelings. This use of technology can be tested with the Rotary four-way test.

Is it the truth? In most cases it’s untrue. Cyberbullies spread rumors, pose as someone else, or deceive. Some cyberbullies say things they may believe are true but are said only to hurt the victim.

Is it fair to all concerned? Cyberbullying is definitely not fair. No one deserves to be treated badly. People are hurt and deceived by untrue statements, embarrassed by posted personal videos or pictures, and they feel threatened. This can lead to depression and low self-esteem, which could ultimately lead to suicide.

Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Cyberbullying is not done for these reasons. Cyberbullying is done to make others feel weak and embarrassed. It definitely doesn’t build goodwill and the cyberbullies have no intent of building friendships. Cyberbullying creates enemies and ruins friendships. Friends of a victim may start thinking differently of them because of something they read online or a message they received. Posing as someone else online can result in multiple victims and deceptions.

Is it beneficial to all concerned? Most certainly not. Cyberbullying does not benefit the victim. It could be seen as beneficial by the cyberbully in them feeling superior, but I really don’t see that as a benefit to anybody.

As you can see, technology is great if used ethically or can cause damage and pain when not. It is up to each of us to use ethics to make this world a better and safer place.