Facebook Facilitates Cyber Bullying

Facebook is acknowledged by most as the most popular social networking site trending now. From twelve-year-old children to their very own grandparents, almost everyone has a Facebook account.

From the “Poking” of peers and family to starting a lengthy argument consisting of 200 comments, with its countless time-wasting options, Facebook has clearly become the king of procrastination for many students.

Unfortunately, not all is well in cyberspace. One common result of very popular social networking sites is cyber bullying, which can turn tragic, as evidenced in the media. Teen deaths and suicides have increased over the past few years partly because of teenagers not thinking that simply talking about another individual via the Internet makes an impact on someone. Fleetwood Area High School even falls victim to some of its own cyber bullying incidents.

“I don’t know why someone would fight where everyone can see it,” FAHS art teacher Diane Chisdak said.

Countless fights on Facebook start over simple and ridiculous things . It may not seem it, but one little comment can easily escalate to the point of no return and draw the attention of hundreds.

“It’s important to keep kids from a small town entertained,” Savannah Cameron, ’12, said.

Many of the people on Facebook choose to just sit back and watch the fight build, occasionally “liking” comments,  Others like to join in to voice their own opinions. It is a public site after all, something people seem to forget.

 What is posted on Facebook is open to the public, allowing every single person on one’s friends list to interpret it as he or she wishes. The New York State senate has even been fighting to bring cyber bullying laws into effect, expanding the crime of manslaughter in the second degree to include “bullycide.” Nonetheless, simple arguments can get ugly if the person being harassed decides to take action.

“I’ve been in quite a few [cyber] tussles myself, but they are all pointless,” Senior Molly Flannery said.

“Please, if you are involved in some sort of verbal battle, do us all a favor and think before you comment on a post, picture, etc.,” Edwin Enriquez said.  “Although we all at one point have participated in an argument via Facebook, what is the simplest solution? Delete them! Chances are, no one cares what you are fighting about. If all else fails, the least you can do is to say something smart and not embarrass yourself for everyone to laugh at.”