Cyber-Bullying - Make it stop! - 2016 Edition

Nikola said:

I still stand behind the fact that some people need to grow up but...

I don't know why I wrote "wasting time commiting suicide" I was multi-tasking so I just wrote something stupid like that lol xD That's not what I meant but yeah I feel like taking your own life away over messages that you get on social media is kind of stupid.. but I guess if you don't have many friends irl plus the cyber bullying then it is kind of messed up.. then I would get some people if they are depressed. But what I will never get is just harming yourself because of internet retards. I know a couple of girls who actually have a perfect life many friends etc etc, but when they've been cyber-bullied all of a sudden they started thinking about commiting suicide.. like I was pissed at them and kind of confused.

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_Pyrrhic said:

This is a very well written thread, not only that, I was able to perceive the message very well.

Cyber Bullying is a real thing, and people really do get affected by it. No matter the severity of the comment made, words hurt (believe it or not).

This thread is a great one, keep spreading the message.

_Pyrrhic

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Miner9823 said:

I feel a little alienated with my current standing viewpoint on cyber-bullying while it almost juxtaposes the general opinion and compromise I found in the responses within this thread. Understandably, it's quite agreeable, and definitely easy to state that its simple resolution to the problem is turn the computer off, block the harassing user, flip out and break the screen, stalk the person who hurt you for several days and try to find where they li-- Okay, maybe I'm a little off-topic here... Regardless, finding a resolve for this supposed "on-going issue" would understandably be quite simple. Looking at all of the comments here, pretty much most, if not, all of the suggestions brought up were mentioned when it related towards finding a resolve for "cyber-bullying". Like closing the computer, reporting the user, or simply blocking them. Or fundamentally, not having a social media account at all!

However, it would either just be me, or I noticed that we haven't really covered, or acknowledged how much of a footprint it really leaves to the victim. Obviously the person who inflicted the trivial, mundane, and generally insignificant insults really didn't necessarily do much harm. Only simply did it for giggles among him/her and their friends, right? But have we really considered what may go on inside the victim's head? Do we know that they have thick skin (or skulls) that they're able to brush off the insults? Do we know if they have insecurities? Do we know that the victims aren't just victims of cyber-bullying, but actual abuse? It's most certainly safe for me to say that a good majority of us, including me, aren't fully aware of the current circumstances other people go through in their real life, especially online. Which only makes it easier for us to say things like "toughen up", or "Just shut the screen".

And let's be honest here, with the "toughen up" solution; it can be, and was applied to real life situations as well. People had constantly said this to me whenever I had felt offended by something explicit (Although to be honest, I agreed with them on several occasions. But it doesn't mean it applies to everyone else!), but regardless, what difference would it make if people simply offer these solutions? How do we know it's as easy as we think it is for us? It makes me feel like it is similarly trying to tell a baby to ride a motorcycle, it really isn't as easy as we may anticipate it to be. This is because we don't deeply understand how they may cope with the insult when they're in their own privacy.

Because once these insignificant insults have been said, then they have been said, the effects or consequences that may potentially come after are irreversible (unless you use a potato time travelling machine to reverse time n' stuff). And whether the person takes it lightly or not, is entirely up to them. How they react would only help determine how they were raised, and how often they came across situations like this. Some people simply aren't used to these kinds of circumstances, and I still do not understand why it is so difficult to accept the fact that people are different, and that some people are actually psychologically more vulnerable than others?

Furthermore, if we thoroughly look at the videos shown here, and compare it to how the discussion was mainly focused. I can tell that there is little correlation. Because what we were discussing was generally revolved around trash-talking in a video game. But what about actual social media? What if it were people, heck, even in-real-life friends doing something worse, like make a social media page all about how much they hate you, and is a popular trend, or someone invites you to a group chat, only to find out this chat was literally only for them to throw disgusting insults at you (Yes, this happened to a few friends of mine. Those bullies didn't know what hit 'em. ). And yes, we can easily close the computer, and even just simply deleting your account is the best way to solve it. Easy.

But take a thorough thought about it. Right after finding out about someone you once were wonderful friends with, post trash about you online, and you successfully remove your social media, and try to stay away from the computer, what difference will it make? How would you feel if you knew well that people you know in your life went ahead to say horrible things about you online and everyone may either now know a dark secret you wanted hidden for a long time, or believe in a silly rumor that isn't real? It will still be there, you don't necessarily need to have your computer turned on to be a victim of cyber-bullying. Because in the end, the victim already knows this is happening to them, and they can do little to actually stop it from continuing since they need to "toughen up" and "get over it". It'll be obvious that they will end up trying to bottle it up, and try their best to not seek help. Because it is a sign of "weakness" according to society.

Additionally, think about the in-real life effects it will have on the victim as well. Instead of simply focusing on a block game, we need to think about the bigger picture. Cyber-bullying isn't necessarily about being trash-talked by a pre-pubescent child in a block game saying they dated your mom, and suddenly they're some sort of magical 8 year old Darth Vader who could possibly be your father (Oops. Spoilers. Am I late?). Instead, we must understand that this is also about being stuck under similar circumstances Amanda Todd had suffered through as well. She was beaten to a pulp and thrown in a ditch for crying out loud! And guess what, after she had done an unfortunate attempt in suicide, which resulted in people on the internet responding by taking pictures of bleach. Yes, it would've slightly eased her pain if she didn't see those provocative images, but consider how many times she had to move schools just to get away from the bullying. Reading through articles (Thanks wikipedia!), I discovered that the man who was responsible for it had disguised himself as a "student" who sent the explicit images of Amanda to all her fellow students which resulted them in hounding at her like a pack of starving crows.

She was literally unable to escape this situation. Wherever she went, people knew her face from somewhere, and people reacted the same way. All because of this sort of cyber-bullying. Now now, this is one of many examples of victims. And imagine the amount of people suffering from this torment to this day because of that. Obviously this is something not even thick skin can really do much about, especially if people are here to torment you so recklessly.

To quote some statements several people had made, as to rebuttal and explain why I stand towards my ideal, I'd like to say that cyber-bullying isn't only simply about games trash-talking. But it's about literally trying to ruin the life of another individual, using this method...



Although I understand that some people don't consider something to be bullying unless it's something you can't escape from. But we must keep in mind that the definition of cyber-bullying is the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature. Therefore, this applies even in-game, sometimes! As a staff member (I'm sure you know too, Bae! <3), we see a lot of messages that we can easily determine are meant to intimidate or threaten, and cause harm. It doesn't matter on how well we deal with it, because regardless of how we react to these messages, it is, by default, cyber-bullying. You don't need to have a negative reaction, as long as the user had the purpose of causing a problem online, then they are basically trying to cyber-bully. And therefore should be something others may need to be aware of.



I couldn't agree with you more on this, to be honest. There are so many real-life problems out there that pose a much significant threat to us as people than cyber-bullying, and obviously we need to be attentive towards these factors.
However, regardless of the fact that there are people who are physically in a far worse condition than we are, I still do not understand why this completely invalidates the issues people go through when it comes to cyber-bullying. Even if they are micro-pixels on a random screen in the comfort of your home, we are well aware, and intellectual enough to understand that these signals, were literally sent from another human being, either close to you, or half around the world from you, and they were sent to cause harm, because it can.
We must acknowledge, as insignificant as it sound to so many people, because not many have actually been victim to it, that if young people, a generation of youth, that have so much potential to change the future, end up taking their own lives and causing irreversible changes because of this, then it's easily determined as an on-going issue. Because it's the result of either irresponsible, uninformed children, and sadistic adults, youngsters with so much potential (Whether they're found on a block game or not, it doesn't matter either way) to change the world are driven to suicide. And all we can tell them is try toughen up because there are people who are in a worse condition than us?
Having been a victim of several cases myself, I can determine that this can be proven otherwise, but of course, I would never dare to completely turn my head from the problems other people suffer through. Because everyone in the world deserves love and attention! <3




With getting banned for abuse, looking at the ban tables, first offense for abuse is a 3 day ban. :I Otherwise, if it's another issue about someone getting banned unfairly, I can always talk about it with you if you want, although I am actually really dumb. But the other staff members, which is safe to say, are amazing people. I can promise that. (I love your RS signature though. gg )



One word...

BRUTAL.


Anywho, Benjamin, thank you for making this thread come back to life again, I really hope more people are a little more informed on how cyber-bullying works, and I really do hope my explanation was enough to clear everything up on why closing the computer is not always a long term solution. And I will always be by your side to make sure cyber-bullying doesn't happen!


Now then. Time to go to bed. I'm tired. -_- Ciao!

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BitoBain said:

Seriously, with all the problems in the world, including poverty, starvation, abuse, neglect, murder, wars, etc, we are worrying about pixels on a screen that may seem slightly offensive to some of our more sensitive youngsters?

Just log out, block them, turn off the computer, or do something. It's not really a problem at all compared to what most people have to deal with. Most people in the world don't even have refrigerators or beds and will never dream of having an electronic device to even get "cyberbullied" on.

So please, can we all grow a little skin and start worrying about some real problems?

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AppleCiider said:

Thanks for

Thanks for saying u like the rs signature. But don't u think it should be a mute instead of a ban? My mate got permed for a screamer link but all he did was break the rules of the chat box he didn't break the rules of survival games. People who break the rules of the survival games should get banned. Mute the people who abuse the chat box. I've discussed this with mods and they say they ban people for abuse because a mute is "a slap on the wrist". When you mute people permanently at least they still get to play. The broke the rules of the chat box and therefore they shouldn't be able to use it, however, should be able to play the game. This is why mcsg is shrinking, looking at the community corner people get banned for abuse then quit. If they came back on an alt u would ban them again. Mods, please take this under consideration at some sort of fancy meeting on teamspeak. And if u change ur ways give me VIP. Pce.

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TotalDramaTony said:

I do not think that statement made by BitiBrain is fair ro right to say.

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TotalDramaTony said:

Just because one person, that grew up has issues that are different than the issues a cyber bullied person has, does not mean that they are any bigger or worse.

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TotalDramaTony said:

People who are poor, and face poverty have issues of getting more money and food. People who are cyber bullied have issues of getting bullied and being put into depression and suicide. In case you have failed to notice, both can easily lead to death if not helped.

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TotalDramaTony said:

People may not have technology or whatever, okay, fine. However, they could have people in their lives that support them and help them through that. For example, in America, there are opportunities and places the homeless can seek help and assistance from, however, depression, bullying, these are issues that are underestimated by people like BitoBrain, and they go on as unresolved issues.

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TotalDramaTony said:

Just because I wasn't born poor and without technology, does not mean I do not have any issues in my life that I don't need help with.

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TotalDramaTony said:

Seriously, why should the solution be "grow a little skin" Are you kidding me? Is that really an answer to bullying? Take the abuse more? Why not no abuse at all? We are all humans, why can't we try to be nice to each other and help one another instead of lashing on each other, and bully each other into depression and suicide.

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TotalDramaTony said:

All in all, Cyber-Bullying is a real issue, and the second we start seeing that, and can really work towards fixing it, then we will be benefiting all of mankind, because guess what? That little kid, that got bullied and almost killed himself,

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TotalDramaTony said:

he could have went on with his life, and grew up to be a talented doctor, and could have cured cancer. Or maybe, a policeman that protected the bullies kids from being kidnapped. Or maybe, even a firefighter who saved all of your baby pictures from being singed in the fire.

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TotalDramaTony said:

So, you decide, do you want to keep on endorsing bullying,

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Miner9823 said:

Honestly speaking, I have actually wondered myself on why chat offenses like screamers and abuse are bannable offenses, and don't suffice for mutes instead. Although people had been awfully rude to other players, or sent a relatively nasty link to an unsuspecting passerby; I am alongside you with this proposition. Because there would be no harm in having them still being allowed to play in our network, so long they either don't act upon something like that again, and furthermore, banning the individual player for an issue that only revolved around the chat box may seem a little far-fetched if I were to state this opinion, since they didn't hack, or use any clients, or abused any glitches, I could see it as a little more appropriate if it were simply mutes instead, and leading up to a permanent mute if necessary. c:

And out of curiosity, have you actually brought this up to a Sr. Mod before? Because this sounds like a pretty good idea if you ask me! Otherwise, I'd be more than happy to bring it up in the next "fancy" meeting that comes around. :3

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BitoBain said:

First of all, if you're going to argue with me, at least make coherent sentences. And if you're going to address me, at least try to spell my name right. I don't take pleasure in decoding rants written in poor English.
Again, hard to tell what you are even saying here, but I think you are saying that one person's issues aren't necessarily bigger or smaller than another person's because we all have different backgrounds. But you are wrong.

Some people simply live much harder lives than others. If cyber bullying is the biggest problem in your life, you have it better than practically everyone in the world. Most people in the world deal with some form of hunger, terminal illness, poverty, danger, violence, or homelessness on a daily basis. Ask people in poorer countries if they want to have a warm home, plenty to eat, good schools to go to, and abundant freedoms in exchange for having to deal with cyber bullying, and I guarantee they will say yes. Studies done by UNESCO indicate that people in wealthier countries do indeed live happier lives on average. That is not to say that people in wealthier countries do not have problems, but rather, they are generally higher up in terms of fulfilling Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Do you realize how minuscule the number of people who commit suicide due to cyber bullying is? If you compare it to the number of people who die to starvation and malaria, it is essentially nothing. Historians and demographics experts estimate that approximately half of all people who have died in human history have died to malaria. The only reason humans get so worked up over suicide and homicide is because it is dramatic, and starvation and malaria aren't as big of an issue in the wealthier countries of the world.

I do not argue that cyber bullying does not exist, only that it is a minuscule, over-publicized problem compared to the likes of poverty, starvation, disease, environmental destruction, and climate change.

Are you suggesting that cyber bullying is a larger issue than homelessness in the United States? If you have been to a large city, you will see that it clearly not. The homeless do have options, but they are often limited due to their sheer numbers in certain cities and the prevalence of drug problems. People who deal with depression or cyber bullying, on the other hand, generally have counselors and friends who can help. And if you're going to argue that family members can help homeless people, then you can't say family members can't help people with depression or cyber bullying issues.
I never said you don't deal with issues that you need help with.

In some cases cyber bullying is serious enough that the person needs to seek out professional help, but in the twenty-first century kids are being taught that they can get offended over anything, and they are. They are calling the tiniest things "cyber bullying." I once got muted for three hours for saying a completely appropriate yo-mama joke out of the blue to no one in particular. The mod said it offended her. At any other time period in history people would have tougher skin, and they would be happier because of it. If you get offended at a little name-calling or joking around by someone on the internet, then you will be perpetually unhappy since you will always be salty about what someone said. The best thing to do if you are one of those people is to learn to not care what others think about you as much.
The situation you are describing is extremely rare. It's the kind of thing they would share at a school assembly in order to create maximum drama and emotional impact.

It's pretty ironic that you're describing great things a person could have done when the most militant anti-cyberbullying individuals are often people who sit around on their computers all day and do nothing to solve real world issues. If you want to make a difference in the world that really lasts, try tackling issues of disease, poverty, and climate change. You make saving baby pictures sound heroic, but how about saving our planet?
You think I endorsed cyber bullying? That's all in your head buddy.

You know what won't help cyber bullying? Going on internet forums and posting threads and comments about it. Virtually every person that reads your anti-cyber bullying rant is already some politically correct kid who thinks cyber bullying is the downfall of the world. The people that actually do it are few in number, yet they likely don't care what you have to say. Blasting people with political correctness will only piss them off, so don't think you can change the opinion of someone like that.

In fact, a lot of people bully because of injustices and political correctness in the outside world that they want to reflect onto others. That's why individuals such as Donald Trump are so popular. He is unafraid to voice his blunt opinion and doesn't care what others think about him. His lack of political correctness is very refreshing. People who voice unspoken injustices are the ones who will really solve issues of bullying.

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AppleCiider said:

yeah mate, bring it up at a fancy meeting where all the mods flee to the top of the teamspeak to discuss all there secret business that we are not a part of.

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