“Cyberbullying is becoming fatal. Criminal justice system must now act.”
Cyberbullying is basically any form of bullying that occurs online. And, it is becoming extremely lethal!
Technological advancement in Information Technology (IT) has not been without regrettable negative effects on society. We continue to witness identity thefts and bank frauds and now joining the list of cybercrimes in a wider scale is cyber bullying. The continued advancement of technology has forced people from across the globe to be technology savvy thereby launching outstanding positive impacts. Besides this, the same technology has left behind a trail of fatal experiences. While the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are being hailed, it has none the less heralded a new dimension of cyber bullying whose impacts on the victims might be worse Artificial Intelligence has made it much easier for bullies to recreate photos, videos, words and even sound to that which suits their intentions to harm people’s images, integrity and identities.
In Kenya, it is becoming a normalized culture to bully online. But why? Recently, a man identified as Edwin posted on his Facebook page saying “At my funeral; don’t cry…I’ve been dead inside for a long time and y’all didn’t care!” The man proceeded to commit suicide. He could nolonger take the online bullying. This was just one amongst the many posts he made. He cited depression which he’d fought for seven years. Sadly, the responses on the comment section said something else. Many didn’t seem to understand the seriousness of the post leave alone caring. He was trolled, some laughed and even made fun of his post. Interestingly, when he passed on a few months later, people sympathized with him some even asking why he didn’t ask for help. Another instance is that of Esther Akoth Kokeyo famously known as Akothee . Several of her posts have been made to call out bloggers and online bullies who track everything she is involved in from her marriage, education, wealth, family to business, all have been put to test and all sorts of meanings recreated to demean her.
While it may not worry many social media users or mean much to perpetrators, one in every five women in Kenya have experienced cyberbullying. This is without mentioning statistics of men and minors. Majority of the known cases are of celebrities and prominent people in the society. From Bahati’s family, Larry Madowo, Azziad Nasenya, Elseba Awuor Kokeyo (Cebbie Koks Nyasego) to several political leaders and prominent business persons Kenyans haven’t spared anyone even the high and mighty. President Uhuru Kenyatta had to take a break from Twitter (now X) because of constant trolling. But then, what about those individuals who aren’t too conspicuous? Lethally too, women stand a chance to be bullied 27 times more than their male counterparts. This has sent many of them into dreadful stress and depression. Some have even opted to take social media break or worse, deleting their accounts completely. Funny enough, all these take place in a country with vocal and learned leaders who understand the constitutional laws on cybercrime. No serious legal action has been taken. Perpetrators majorly impersonate, troll, flame, cat-fish, shame, cyber stalk or use revenge porn to make their victims feel worthless and question their reason for existence online if not in this society. The repercussions of cyberbullying are very hurtful. Whether it stems from an act of spreading unverified information, posting or sharing embarrassing videos or photos, commenting on posts with mean words, sending horrifying messages, videos or images, impersonation or any other cyber-crime act, justice need to stand out for those who fall victim. These acts that seem almost invisible and may at times look funny to many people have dire effects. They make the victims feel hurt, angry, foolish, ashamed, weak, embarrassed, experience migraines, stomachache, lose interest in things they appreciate. Worst outcomes have been committing suicide.
So, why do people behave as if they don’t understand multiplied effect of cyberbullying? Is it because no one cares or because cybercrime laws merely decorate our statutes? How does a parent comfortably engage in online bullying and expect their children not to suffer the same? Even though the tech giants are trying to put up some regulations, an organized, clear and functional approach need to be actuated for the greater good of the people. Victims of cyber bullying are just as entitled to justice just as much as those who are defamed in mainstream media. It may interest you to know that social media communication leaves behind a digital footprint that makes it easier for investigating officers to follow and find evidence. Bullies should be warned! Online bullies should never feel comfortable as long as they live.. Also, it is important that anyone who has experienced any form of cyberbullying the initiative to report block and even publicly join hands to call out bullies. This will make it easier to create awareness and attract national attention for perpetrators to be charged according to the law. It’s high time the Criminal Justice System, mainstream media organizations, tech developers and the people themselves make it their responsibility to flush out cyber bullies. This, is if they ever hope for a socially safer tomorrow. Anything less of being our own brother’s keeper is a recipe for disaster.
“If you’re insulting people on the internet, you must be the ugly one on the inside”. – Phil Lester
Article By:
Cynthia A. Onyango