Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.
The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:
- Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter
- SMS (Short Message Service) also known as Text Message sent through devices
- Instant Message (via devices, email provider services, apps, and social media messaging features)
Email
There are some cases of cyber bullying in the Philippines:
In the Philippines, where virtually everyone who has an Internet connection is on Facebook, it becomes all too easy to change —and even ruin— peoples’ lives without a moment’s hesitation.
Just like millions of other Pinoys, 27-year-old Raymond Malinay is a confessed Facebook fanatic: he spends every free minute online updating his status, sharing his thoughts, and liking his friends’ posts. He even made his account public to reach more people.
But what Raymond considered nothing more than a tool for entertainment eventually turned out to be the medium for his oppression: he became the victim of a very ugly prank.
On July 4, 2012, this edited photo of Raymond Malinay went viral on Facebook. He was accused of having and spreading HIV. He was later tested negative for the disease. (Photo courtesy of Raymond Malinay)
“I really don’t know where the issue came from, I don’t have enemies… I’m not gay,” says Raymond. “That picture spread really fast; in just two days it got 4,000 shares and reached other countries like India and the USA.”
Crowd madness: ‘You will burn in hell’
“The worst remark I got was ‘I hope you die, your body will burn in hell,” he added.
The day he saw the malicious pictures and comments, Raymond did not attend class at his university in Manila, where he studies Mass Communication as a third-year student.
“I admit I got depressed. Why would that happen to me when I didn’t do anything to anyone? I didn’t know what to do, it was too much,” Raymond says.
“I was really traumatized. It’s hard enough to get criticized by your friends but this is nationwide, you’ll really get hurt.”
“I was really traumatized. It’s hard enough to get criticized by your friends but this is nationwide, you’ll really get hurt.”
Netizens immediately condemned Raymond without any verification of the truth. (Screengrabs courtesy of Raymond Malinay)
Strangers, loved ones show support
After seclusion at home, Raymond decided to attend school the next day. Riding the LRT wasn’t a breeze, though, since other students who went to colleges in the University belt recognized him.
“When I entered the LRT, there were a lot who looked at me disdainfully,” he says. “I knew they whispered to each other, and I knew it was about me.”
Despite getting cyber bullied, Raymond gathered strength from his friends and family, who backed him up all the way.
GMA News was able to talk to his parents, friends, and teachers, and they were unanimous in saying that Raymond is good-natured, hard working, smart, and honest.
Despite the multitude of netizens attacking Raymond, he also received consolation from strangers who believed his account of the story.
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