Six Types of Cyber-Bullies

Dec 30, 2011
Debbie Roome

Cellphones are Commonly Used by Cyber Bullies - Debbie Roome

Cyber-bullying is an increasing problem in all age groups as more and more people get connected through various technological devices.

Cyber-bullying is defined as harassment and abuse that is perpetrated by posting photographs, messages and comments on cell phones, computers, tablets and similar devices. Facebook and social networking sites are commonly involved but text messages and emails are also channels for cyber-bullying.

Six Types of Cyber-Bullies

Cyber-bullies come in various shapes and forms but there are certain characteristics that can help identify them. Many bullies will display a combination of the following behaviors.

The nitpicking bully enjoys picking other people’s work apart. They criticize spelling, grammar and punctuation and may challenge facts and figures. They are pedantic in this and often lose sight of what the purpose for the post or article was. Their endless attack often leaves a victim emotionally bruised and demoralized.

Verbal cyber-bullies play with words and are skilful in using them to hurt and destroy. Derision, scorn and sarcasm are common and they may spread falsehoods across social networking sites. They like to dominate and insults may include racist and cultural remarks.

Cyber-bullies with long memories love to drag up the past. They hold grudges for things that happened years ago and try to resurrect unresolved arguments. In order to provoke their victim, they may post gory details of previous offences on public forums and social networking sites.

Cyber-bullies may resemble stalkers when they make it their business to find out personal details including email addresses, cell phone numbers, Facebook pages etc. They may also track down home addresses and land line numbers. If they have intimate personal knowledge such as where birthmarks are, they’re not shy to spread these facts across the internet.

Persistent cyber-bullies often wear people down by the continual harassment. They are convinced they are right and make it their mission to point out others faults. It is futile arguing with them, as they will not pay any attention. They want their victims to behave as they direct and will point out inadequacies and mistakes in great detail. It is common for them to make up non-existent friends to back up their claims.

The expert cyber-bully often tangles with people who are knowledgeable in certain fields. They claim to be more qualified and to have insider knowledge that negates what the person has written about the subject. More often than not, they are incorrect - and even if they do have some knowledge, it is not their place to point out minor errors.

Cyber-bullying can be extremely distressing and identifying the problem is the first step towards addressing it. Many people try to shrug off this form of harassment but it is better to try to end it. Knowledge is empowering and it is important to know that cyber-bullying is never acceptable.

References:

Issues Related to Bullying. Bullyonline.org. Accessed December 30, 2011

The Bully Action Guide, Edward F Dragan, Palgrave Macmillan, 2011, ISBN 978-0-230-11042-7

Debbie Roome - Debbie Roome is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist and novelist with over 25 years experience.

Comments

Jan 5, 2012 2:11 AM

Guest :

This is very interesting. A bully always has some form of power or control over their victim. A writer could just as easily bully through their writing if they disliked what someone said. Someone responding to a writer - such as in the nit picking example - does not have any power to effect any change, however. Bullying of any form should not be tolerated.

Mar 3, 2012 2:44 AM

Guest :

This is an important topic - cyberbullying is never alright. However counterbalancing the writings of one who continues to undermine the leadership of their city could not be entertained as cyberbullying. This is of particular importance when the city is experiencing a crisis and when the actions suggested by the writer could prove dangerous.

Mar 3, 2012 4:55 PM

Guest :

I think I've met some cyber-bullies, and have read comments from MANY I haven't met in person or on-line. I read lots of disparaging comments that have nothing to do with the article being commenting on, for example. Thanks for THIS informative article! As much as it pains me to do so, I've learned to just ignore cyber-bullies or walk away if I can't.

Mar 3, 2012 5:09 PM

Guest :

Great article. Cyber-bullying is a very real problem that needs to be addressed, and more awareness is needed.

Mar 3, 2012 5:59 PM

Guest :

I disagree with the last comment. I have found that this writer has accurately portrayed the events in Christchurch and how the situation has developed. I have read nothing written by the author that undermines the leaders of Christchurch even in the midst of public anger and frustration towards them.

I have also noted that someone is constantly making unfair comments on the writers articles that are in my opinion ridiculous. They seem to think that their opinions should be reflected in the articles. My suggestion to this person is to write their own articles instead of attacking others.

Mar 4, 2012 3:29 PM

Guest :

The comments referred to the chice of the above writer ( who is an excellent writer) to undermine the work of Civil Defence in the early days of what has been the biggest civil defence emergency, in new Zealands history. They were charged with keeping people safe; if citizens had been allowed back into the CBD, as she wanted, then there would certailny have been more deaths in June and December. It is unfair that the writer is now portraying this person as a cyberbully - when they were only reflecting what many others had observed.

Mar 7, 2012 3:58 PM

Guest :

bulling is not good for kids

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Six Types of Cyber-Bullies

Six Types of Cyber-Bullies

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