Is \'forum bullying\' actually possible?
 

I don't think it is possible.

We always have the option to switch off the computer.

The internet is not 'real', so I fail to see how anyone can feel bullied online.

Discuss...

Perhaps bullying is the wrong word, but people do unnecessarily gang up on other members, and I don't think it's fair to expect them to have to turn off their computer because of what other members do.

Personally, I actually would just turn off my computer - but it shouldn't have to be an option. It's like saying to someone who gets bullied at school not to go into the cafeteria for dinner.

You can be bullied out of an area though, if you are with a load of friends on a forum and then feel pressurized to leave because everyone is teaming up on you. Its kind of bullying.

If you feel bullied on a forum then you ought to press the red x in the corner. Its obvious for forums you're gonna need thick skin at some points so if you can't handle it you know where the exit button is. If you can feel intimidated by people you don't even know writing rubbish on a forum then the issue really isn't forum bullying.

I think when it's completely unprovoked you shouldn't have to close down your computer, it just shouldn't happen in the first place.

I actually completely agree with Tom, and I don't think it's the same as the cafeteria example, because Schools/Colleges/Workplaces etc, are real-life environments, where people can't just 'not go'.

The internet is vast, so if you don't like the atmosphere in one place, you can surely move to another.

Also, to pick up on something else Tom said.. if words typed on a screen by people you don't know bother you, then there are bigger issues.

That's just my opinion though.. (and Tom's it seems lol)

I think especially for younger people the internet feels more real to them to us. At the end of the day its real people attacking another real person, I don't believe in how feelings automatically become void because it is over a computer, you are still allowed to offended by words written on a computer, just because they are not spoken does not mean anything.

Also if you are younger and don't have a thick skin like you two then its easier to be affected by it, being pushed out of a place you want to be by people picking on you then its bullying, but then again someone that insults someone on the internet... also has issues.

Maybe you have a point about the age thing.

Although, Tom is certainly a good chunk younger than me, I'm in the age-bracket where most people don't view the internet as 'real' or anything like it.

Tom seems to share my views on that to a point.



Edit to add: I see what you are saying Lauren, that it just 'shouldn't happen', but the internet is impossible to police, so I think that people who use it should come prepared.

This

I do see where your coming from, I wouldn't get pushed off a forum because someone was being stupid and trying to bully me. But seeing it in younger eyes, it can happen.

i'm also of the thought that internet is not real but can see how younger people could struggle with it and not have had life experiences to make them know stuff
if you dont like it on here either click the cross or if you want to stay but dont want to feel like your being picked on then use the ignore button cos frankly there is some right muppets online regardless of your age your not gonna get along with everyone

I also agree with this, that it's inevitably going to happen. But in situations where it can be controlled, i.e. moderated forums - it can be policed.

Yes. *pushes Lili in some e-mud*

lili
Young Folks do not switch off
they are on Treadmills.



Sign Of The Times

In my opinion, the day you feel offended by a comment somebody makes on this forum is the day you should think about turning your computer off for a long time.

EDIT: Unless of course it's really bad, for example, racist or disability discrimination etc.

Nah I don't see it as real either. I agree that it shouldn't happen but it does, and if you don't like a site then just don't visit it and you can avoid it that way. But anyone can do or say anything on the internet so if you can't hold your own on the internet then I really do think you've got other problems.

Maybe some users feel vulnerable online because they spill their life story to everyone.

I've always kept 'real life' stuff private so I've never took things personally.








*shoves Shaun into some e-mud and hits him with a flip-flop*

Some people are far too emotional, but saying that you'd expect that from forum members roughly from 11-15. Hormones and such, we've all been there... just most teenagers don't go through it while on a forum.

I agree with the fact that you should know a forum is going to bring debates, okay debates might turn nasty but leave the thread or just ignore the topic if you know it's going to get heated and you can't handle it.

Personally, I couldn't give two flying ****s if people hate me online. My intention wasn't to come here and make friends, okay I've made friends along the way which I hope are long-term but other than that, I really couldn't give a damn what people do to me or say about me. I can give as good.

*e-cuts linda's e-hair in her e-sleep*

If I had a helicopter, there'd be an epic popcorn fight in Torquay tonight!

I'm sorry I just think that if soemone is particularly effected by words on a screen written by someone they've never met before then they're the one with the bigger issue here.

lmfao.
if only :(

We could just illegally DL it and then we could 'virtually' go out to the cinema, and fling e-popcorn at each other on MSN...

But, that would be the most tragic thing in the world. Ever. haha

-terminates our e-relationship-

:tongue:

[/wrists]