Online harassment is becoming more common these days due to technological advancements that allow individuals to connect virtually from anywhere in the world. Cyberbullies hide behind their computer screens and target people they know little about. They can be strangers or acquaintances who use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., to spread negativity and rumors that affect the victim's reputation. This online abuse often leads to low self-esteem and anxiety, which makes it difficult for victims to cope with their daily activities.
The Psychology Today explains that cyberbullying causes feelings of shame, embarrassment, sadness, fear, anger, depression, guilt, frustration, helplessness, and hopelessness. The victims lose trust in themselves and others, have difficulty concentrating on tasks, feel isolated and lonely, and become afraid of taking action against the bully. Victims experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, insomnia, lack of appetite, fatigue, and body pains because of stress.
Self-esteem refers to how one views oneself in relation to other people. It determines whether an individual feels good about himself/herself and capable enough to deal with challenges positively. People with high self-esteem are confident, optimistic, resilient, assertive, and independent while those with low self-esteem are insecure, anxious, depressed, and vulnerable. Online harassment and negative feedback damage a person's sense of worthiness, making them doubt their abilities and value. As a result, they may suffer from inferiority complex and lose confidence. They question themselves, avoid interactions and limit socialization to avoid humiliation and criticism.
Coping with online abuse is not easy since there is no clear way to identify the perpetrators and stop the attacks. Victims can seek professional help or join support groups where they get encouragement and emotional support from fellow survivors. Psychologists recommend cognitive therapy (CT) that helps change negative thoughts into positive ones by focusing on reality instead of worrying.
If you received a message saying "you are ugly," CT would encourage you to replace it with "I am beautiful and attractive." Other coping strategies include practicing mindfulness meditation to calm your nerves, talking about the issue with trusted friends and family members, and doing activities that boost happiness like exercise, music, reading, and traveling.
Online harassment causes psychological effects such as low self-esteem and anxiety due to lack of control over situations, which makes it difficult for victims to cope with their daily life. Cyberbullies should be reported and punished for spreading negativity to protect others from experiencing similar trauma. Victims can overcome these challenges through counseling, support systems, and stress management techniques.
What are the psychological effects of online harassment, cyberbullying, and negative social feedback on self-esteem and coping?
People who experience online harassment, cyberbullying, and negative social feedback can suffer from low self-esteem and struggle with coping. The feelings of embarrassment, shame, rejection, and humiliation associated with these experiences may lead to reduced confidence in one's abilities and value as an individual. Additionally, people may feel anxious about future interactions online and in real life, leading to increased stress levels.