Difference Between Cyber bullying and Cyber savvy Cyberbullying refers to the use of digital communication tools, such as social media, messaging apps, or online forums, to harass, intimidate, or harm others. It can take various forms, including:
- Harassment: Sending threatening or abusive messages repeatedly.
- Exclusion: Deliberately excluding someone from online groups or activities.
- Impersonation: Creating fake accounts to impersonate or mock someone.
- Public Shaming: Sharing embarrassing or private information about someone without their consent.
- Cyberstalking: Persistently monitoring or following someone online, causing them fear or distress.
Difference between Cyberbullying and Cybersavvy
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying refers to the use of digital communication tools, such as social networks, instant messaging, email, websites, or other digital platforms to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person deliberately and repeatedly. The perpetrators, known as cyberbullies, exploit the anonymity and vast reach of the internet to inflict harm on others.
The effects of cyberbullying can be devastating, leading to emotional distress, psychological harm, and in extreme cases, self-harm or suicide. It is a growing issue, especially among teenagers and young adults, due to their extensive use of digital media.
Cyber Savviness
On the other hand, cyber savviness refers to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that help individuals use the internet and digital tools safely, responsibly, and effectively. It encompasses a wide range of competencies, such as understanding online etiquette, protecting personal information, recognizing online scams and threats, and making informed decisions about what to share or not share online.
A cyber savvy person understands the potential dangers of the digital world, such as privacy invasion, identity theft, cyberbullying, and online fraud. They know how to mitigate these risks and use digital tools to their advantage, whether for learning, work, or social connections. Cyber savviness promotes positive and responsible digital citizenship, contributing to a safer and more respectful online community.
The Distinction
The primary difference between cyberbullying and cyber savviness lies in their nature and impact. Cyberbullying is a negative and harmful practice that abuses digital tools to harm others, while cyber savviness is a positive and beneficial skillset that promotes safe, responsible, and effective use of the internet.
The two concepts are intertwined in the sense that promoting cyber savviness can help combat cyberbullying. By educating internet users, particularly young people, about the potential risks of the online world and equipping them with the skills to navigate these dangers, we can reduce the incidence and impact of cyberbullying.
Moreover, cyber savviness involves understanding the consequences of one’s online behavior, including the potential harm inflicted by cyberbullying. A cyber-savvy person is less likely to engage in cyberbullying and more likely to intervene when they witness such behavior.
Here are the differences between cyberbullying and cyber savviness summarized in a list format:
- Nature of the Concepts:
- Cyberbullying involves the misuse of digital tools to harm, harass, threaten, or embarrass individuals intentionally and repeatedly.
- Cyber savviness refers to the knowledge and skills needed to use digital tools safely, responsibly, and effectively.
- Effects:
- Cyberbullying can lead to severe emotional distress, psychological harm, and in extreme cases, self-harm or suicide.
- Cyber savviness empowers users to protect their personal information, recognize online scams and threats, and make informed decisions about their online presence.
- Targets/Practitioners:
- Cyberbullies are individuals who exploit the anonymity and vast reach of the internet to inflict harm on others.
- A cyber-savvy person understands the potential dangers of the digital world and knows how to mitigate these risks.
- Outcome:
- Cyberbullying contributes to a hostile, harmful, and unsafe online environment.
- Cyber savviness promotes positive and responsible digital citizenship, fostering a safer and more respectful online community.
- Interplay:
- Promoting cyber savviness can reduce the incidence and impact of cyberbullying.
- A cyber-savvy person is less likely to engage in cyberbullying and more likely to intervene when they witness such behavior.
- Goal:
- The goal of cyberbullying is to cause harm to others using digital tools.
- The goal of cyber savviness is to use digital tools effectively while maintaining personal safety and respecting the rights of others.
While cyberbullying and cyber savviness both pertain to the digital world, they represent opposing facets of online behavior. One reflects the abuse of digital tools to harm others, while the other exemplifies the conscious and responsible use of these tools for personal and societal benefit. Promoting cyber savviness is an effective strategy to combat cyberbullying and contribute to a safer, more respectful online environment.