The Price of Shame, a TED Talk by Monica Lewinsky, is an informative and opened lens into the consequences of cyberbullying and how it can affect those it is aimed at. Although the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal occurred in 1998, almost 23 years ago, Monica Lewinsky will forever be known for the mistake she made as a young employee of the White House. She identified that the mistake she made and lived through was an intense enactment of cyberbullying. This was magnified due to the beginnings of the internet. Understanding the timing of the event occurred before social media may have saved her from a higher number of cyberbullying and trolling from a wider audience, instant access of information to the public, in addition to family, friends and loved ones receiving unwarranted attention.
Despite the absence of modern day social media, Monica was still shamed and humiliated which caused devastating emotional damage for her and her family. Fortunately, there are now more ways for us to keep some forms of information private, however, with the expanded and instant access to desired information, any digital platform can provide information whether it be true or false. Moreso, the effect of cyberbullying leads to a wider audience resulting in humiliation that has led to suicide. There are now laws that help protect online user information in addition to privacy policies and rights that are enforced on the variety of social media platforms. In order for the digital community to improve, we must face the issue of cyberbullying and find a way to stand up for what is right for ourselves and our students. We, as educators and global citizens, must also let students and loved ones know that mistakes are now part of our digital footprint that may permanently be part of your online identity. Although we all deserve a fair shot at whatever our hearts desire, it is also important to understand that reality is not as accepting nor as stable as we may want it to be. As potential victims, we must all be able to report inappropriate content, and put an end to negative digital actions in your digital neighborhood. Although there will be more to change in the future, the previously stated actions are a great start
Cyberbullying is an issue that is worldwide. It shows how cruel people of all ages, races and genders are behind the anonymity of a screen. Due to the lack of mindfulness on this issue, there needs to be advertisements of this with the possibility of a name change so that it feels less “juvenile” to adults. Just as there are movements for social justice, there should also be a movement toward “online peace” demonstrating different ways to display these efforts to others. Additionally, there should be a committee for online peace in the professional, educational and entertainment realms to ensure the behaviors begin all over the world. What I took most from this week is that, regardless of age, or platform, this issue should be normalized in the same manner that face to face manners are. Not only that, but the emotional consequences that take a toll on the victims of the behaviors should be highlighted since most reactions and feelings are unseen after the send button is clicked.
Resources
TED. (2015, March). The Price of Shame [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_8y0WLm78U
TED. (2013, March). "To This Day" ... for the bullied and beautiful [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa1iS1MqUy4