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Introduction
This chapter presents the answers of the respondents that were collected and analyzed into
themes. The answers of the teenagers who are cyberbullied are focused on their lived experiences,
causes and effects that affected them at some point, and relationships with the people around them. The
researchers ensured that the consent forms were signed and the respondents were fit and willing to be
interviewed. Semi-structured questionnaires were used in the interview to encourage the respondents to
answer truthfully. Lastly, thematic analysis was used to analyze the data collected into an easier and
readable format.
4.1.1 Vulnerability
A factor that exacerbates the problem is how easy it is to find and contact
anyone through social media. Young children have unprecedented access to a wealth
of information and millions of people online. This is dangerous, because, usually,
children have to cope with bullying at school, but now it follows them home. Plus, it’s
not just other children that target them anymore.
The main offenders are social media pages, instant messaging and direct
messaging apps, and forums. Of course, these platforms almost always have rules of
conduct in place, but they can’t monitor every conversation. Privacy is also an issue,
so usually, if someone doesn’t get reported, they get away with it. Technology enables
people to distance themselves from a situation even while they are in it. Cyberbullies
cannot see the pain they cause and thus cannot imagine the turmoil they put their
victims through. In fact, many cyberbullies who were ousted and questioned after the
fact said that the act made them feel funny and powerful.
The internet has given people unique access to each other’s lives and can take
over if people let it.
When the researchers asked the respondents questions about the major causes
of cyberbullying to 13-17 year old teenagers, the subtheme of “Vulnerability'' was
constructed as one of the respondents said “I think teenagers are being targeted by
cyberbullying kasi majority or mostly yung mga teenager ang gumagamit ng social
media kaya sila yung prone sa cyberbullying.” ( I think teenagers are being targeted by
cyberbullying because majority or most of the teenagers are using social media that’s
why they are prone to cyberbullying.) -R1, “Kadalasan na natatamaan or
nakakaranas ng cyberbullying is yung mga teenagers kasi sila yung mas exposed sa
social media at laging gumagamit nito.” ( Usually, teenagers are the ones who
encounter cyberbullying most of the time because they are much exposed to social
media and they always use it.)
-R2, “Their age range is more exposed with social media. Especially during this
pandemic where social media is where we really spend most of our time
communicating with our friends and family. We also conduct our online classes using
the Internet and apps that also expose us from being bullied online.” - R5, “I think
dahil maraming teenager ang gumagamit ng gadgets at mas babad sila so mas high
yung chance nila na ma-cyberbully.” ( I think because there are many teenagers who
use gadgets so there is a high chance that they can get cyberbullied.) - R3
vulnerable
to cyberbullying. The researchers found out that due to excessive utilization of social
media, the users become a target in the cyberbullies’ radar. The researchers concluded
that cyberbullies and the ones who get bullied are just like the two roles in the
parasitism relationship in biology. One (the one who bullies) benefits and the other
(victim) is harmed. To brief it out, the victims of cyberbullying are helpless and the
bully utilizes the victim therefore proving the “parasitism” concept correct.
4.1.2 Dominance
When the researchers asked the respondents questions about the major causes
of cyberbullying to 13-17 year old teenagers, the sub theme of “Dominance'' was
constructed and the respondents said; "With the use of their strength, gusto nila ipakita
among the students or weak kung sino yung nagdo-dominate ng isang particular
place." (With the use of their strength, they want to show among the students or weak
who is dominating of a particular place.) -R4, "But gaining dominance among people
or inferiors is the main cause of cyberbullying or any kind of bullying." -R5.
When the researchers asked the respondents about the major effects of
cyberbullying to 13-17 year old teenagers, the subtheme of “Loss of Self-
Confidence” was constructed as one of the respondents said "Firstly, it affects the
mental well-being of the victim specifically the self-confidence, syempre if you are
being bullied, yung self confidence mo mababa." (Firstly, it affects the mental well-
being of the victim specifically the self-confidence, obviously if you are being bullied,
there is a decrease in your self-confidence) - R1, "Low self-esteem ang isa sa mga
factors na nakaka apekto kung bakit maraming mga teenagers ang nag susuffer sa
cyberbullying." (Low self-esteem are one of the factors that affects why there are so
many teengers that suffers from cyberbullying) - R2, "Nalungkot ako syempre parang
nawalan ako ng confidence sa sarili ko hindi na ako nag popost ng mga pictures ko or
anything iniwasan ko na ang social media." (I felt sad as I lost my confidence in
myself, now that I never post any of my pictures or anything (about myself). I have
avoided using social media anymore.) - R3, "First, the major thing that got affected in
a teenager's life when he/she experienced bullying is his/her confidence. For me, it can
really lower down your self- esteem especially in communicating with other people." -
R5.
The researchers found out that individuals who have been abused or
humiliated over the internet have a tendency to lose or reduce their self-esteem.
Teenagers and young adults who have been humiliated because of their physical
features may develop a hate for and insecurity about their bodies. Bullying victims
may develop a strong discontent with themselves. This is especially true when the
harassment is directed at their physical appearance and appearance. As a result, these
people will become more self-conscious than ever before, considering themselves as
less appealing to others, they may begin to mistrust their own worth. and worst, they
may begin to feel embarrassed
OUR LADY OF FATIMA SENIOR HIGH
CYBERBULLYING PREDICAMENT: A STUDY ON THOSE…
to appear in public or interact socially with others. Both victims and cyberbullying
offenders have significantly lower self-esteem than an average person who has not
been involved in cyberbullying.
4.2.2 Depression
When the researchers asked the respondents about the major effects of
cyberbullying to 13–17-year-old teenagers, the subtheme of "Depression" was
constructed as one of the respondents said “Low self-esteem it can lead to depression
of
course if you're constantly being bullied you're also losing interest sa mga bagay na
nakakapagpasaya sayo dati and lastly hindi lang sa mental well-being nakakaapekto
yung cyberbullying it can also affect the behavior of a person.” (Low self-esteem it
can lead to depression of course if you're constantly being bullied you're also losing
interest in things that makes you happy before and lastly not just in mental well-being,
cyberbullying can also affect the behavior of a person) -R1, “Academic performance in
school, confidence level and stress ang major pillars na naaaffect ng cyberbullying sa
life ng isang teenager.” (Academic performance in school, confidence level and stress
are the major pillars that get affected by cyberbullying in the life of a teenager.) -R2,
“Cyberbullying also causes psychological problem like trauma, depression and
anxiety at nakakalungkot siya ay nakakawala ng motivation.” (Cyberbullying also
causes psychological problems like trauma, depression, and anxiety, and unfortunately,
she is losing motivation.) -R3.
when it is performed through social media posts that don’t immediately disappear. It
can lead to overwhelming feelings of exposure and distress. Another side effect of
cyberbullying is that the victims may be excluded by others who also fear
cyberbullying if they continue to remain friends with the victim. This causes the victim
to become isolated and ostracized, with no one to turn to at school or at home. In
addition, a blog written by Sherri Gordon from VeryWell Family (2021), Any type of
bullying can have physical and psychological effects on a child. Anxiety, fear,
depression, low self-esteem, behavioral issues, and academic struggles are just of the
few challenges kids may experience if they are targets. Cyberbullying sometimes
causes kids to be excluded and ostracized at school. Consequently, they often feel
alone and isolated. This experience can be particularly painful because friends are
crucial at this age. Victims of cyberbullying may succumb to anxiety, depression, and
other stress-related conditions. The added stress of coping with cyberbullying on a
regular basis can steal their feelings of happiness and contentment. It also can increase
feelings of worry and isolation. Researchers speculate that because young people have
an intense psychological need to be part of and accepted by a peer group,
cyberbullying may cause psychological maladjustment, reduced well-being, and
ultimately low self-esteem.
Based on our respondent's statements, it appears that s/he was hesitant to trust
people again after what happened. We, researchers have come to a conclusion that the
effects of cyberbullying cannot be forgotten in a short period of time, but rather leave a
mark on the victims' minds, making them fearful of what might happen in the future
and making it difficult for them to trust and form relationships with new people due to
the threat of being betrayed again. They will be burdened by the actions of others,
which will have an impact on how they live the rest of their life. It can be difficult for
them to initiate conversations and friendships. They place boundaries for themselves
against others so that no one would ever mistreat them again. It's a daily nightmare for
them to think that anyone may strike them in the back without them knowing. The
worst part is that it may have been their peers who prompted them to feel this way.
They have done nothing wrong, yet they are the ones who have suffered for a long
time and will continue to suffer more.
4.3.2 Stress
4.4.1 Trauma
Some children who have been bullied or traumatized may show signs of stress,
while others may look detached. A research on bullying and post-traumatic stress, for
example, discovered that some teenagers may suppress their thoughts or feelings about
what happened. This might cause numbness or a loss of motivation for tasks. Children
may have intrusive thoughts, such as sudden flashbacks of their bullying experience,
according to one study. Caregivers must know how to respond to bullying and be
aware of the possibility of severe stress.
When the researches asked the respondents about the lived experiences of
teenagers that are cyberbullied, the subtheme of “Trauma” was constructed as one
of the respondents said “Natatakot ako pag nasa paligid ko yung mga bullies,
nafaflashback saken yung mga traumatic events na ginawa saken ng mga yon
therefore the best way nalang para sakin is iniwasan ko nalang sila.” (I’m scared of
being around those bullies, because it gives flashbacks about the traumatic events that
they did to me, therefore the best way for me is to avoid them.) -R1, “Mixed emotion
eh, actually I'm
questioning myself kasi bakit ako nabubully and is there something wrong with me ba
pero at the same time, nalulungkot, malungkot din kasi may mga tao pa palang
nambubully and I don't want anyone experience” (Mixed emotion, actually I'm
questioning myself because why I am bullied and there something wrong with me but
why at the same time, frustrated, sad because there are still some people who bully and
I don’t want anyone experience) -R5, “I just felt betrayed because the one who
initiated the said cyberbullying are my friends who I trust the most.” (I just felt
betrayed because the one who initiated the said cyberbullying are my friends who I
trust the most.) -R3, “Malungkot, dahil may roon palang mga tao na kayang manakit
ng kapwa gamit ang social media minsan sa mga hate comments or simpleng biruan.”
(Frustrated, because there are still some people who can hurt others using social media,
sometimes in those hate comments or simple teasing.) -R2.
• Tell someone. Most experts agree: The first thing to do is tell an adult you trust. This
is often easier said than done. People who are cyberbullied may feel embarrassed or
reluctant to report a bully.
• Walk away. What you've heard about walking away from a real-life bully works in
the virtual world too.
• Resist the urge to retaliate or respond. Walking away or taking a break when you're
faced with online bullying gives you some space so you won't be tempted to fire back a
response or engage with the bully or bullies. Responding when we're upset can make
things worse.
• Report bullying. Social media sites take it seriously when people post cruel or mean
stuff or set up fake accounts. If users report abuse, the site administrator may block the
bully from using the site in the future.
• Block the bully. Most devices have settings that let you electronically block the bully
or bullies from sending notes. If you don't know how to do this, ask a friend or adult
who does.
• Be safe online. Passwords protect your smartphone and your online sites, and change
your passwords often. Be sure to share your passwords only with your parent or
guardian. It's also wise to think twice before sharing personal information or
photos/videos that you don't want the world to see.
When the researchers asked the respondents questions about the lived
experiences of teenager that are cyberbullied, the subtheme of “Appropriate Youth
Education'' was constructed as one of the respondents said “Bilang isang teenager
dapat mas mabigyan ng edukasyon sa pagbebehave sa mga ibang tao, for example
LGBT or handicapped persons at kaalaman ng mga kabataan para di na lumaganap
ang cyberbullying.” (As a teenager, you should be given more education on how to
behave towards other people, for example, LGBT or handicapped people, and
knowledge of young people so that cyberbullying will not spread. ) - R2, “I think
teenagers should be taught not to initiate one and practice netiquettes in everyday
living so that cases of cyberbullying can be lessened and victims can have their peace
of mind and bring back their trust with people.” - R5.
Based on the answers of our respondents, we asserted that either the target or
the bully do not have enough insight about cyberbullying; they don't have enough
knowledge about how to avoid it, how it happens, why it happens, and so on; and
therefore it is sufficient to give a much more broad and in-depth understanding to-not
just to youngsters, but all of us. To fully comprehend how cyberbullying tends to
happen, we should indeed impart techniques such as approaches to avoid
cyberbullying. Another thing that must be taught to us is how to properly treat each
other or how we must treat others; this will undoubtedly minimize or perhaps even
prevent the occurrence of cyberbullying.