The Toxic Culture of Online Shaming

From the day I received my first flip phone, my parents have always warned me about the dangers of engaging myself in social media platforms, like Instagram or Facebook. As a teenager in today’s society, I am constantly reminded of the consequences that result from using technology in an inappropriate and disrespectful manner. Cyberbullying is the act of harassing someone online by sending or posting mean messages, usually anonymously. The fact that I can say I personally knew a high school boy that resorted to self harm and attempted to take his own life as a result of cyberbullying saddens me immensely. Online harassment and cyberbullying is permanent. The posted comments never go away and can damage the reputation of the victim, even if the victim is faultless and entirely innocent. Monica Lewinsky, American activist, public speaker, and former White House intern, was just 22 when she was forced to face the ruthless, cruel remarks that followed the world’s discovery of her affair with President Clinton.

In 1998, Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton’s scandal exploded online via email and consumed the news the moment the affair was exposed. Monica, only 22 years old, was completely taken advantage of by President Bill Clinton, who was 49 at the time and married. Although I knew few details about the scandal prior to watching Monica’s TED Talk, I was certainly not shocked to discover that yet again, a man of extremely high status and authority had abused his presidential power and taken advantage of a young woman. Even though Bill Clinton was certainly in the wrong and deserved much of the blame, Monica Lewinsky faced an immense amount of ridicule. People called her a “slut,” “tramp,” “whore,” and several other insolent, appalling terms. In her TED Talk, she begins by saying that she felt like she had no choice but to go “publicly silent for a decade.” I have so much respect for Monica and believe that she is incredibly courageous for speaking up about the things that she wrestled with during this dark time in her life. In doing so, she is playing a key role in protecting other kids, adolescents, and even adults from the dangers of online harassment and cyberbullying. She herself is living proof that the fight against online harassment is a battle that can be won. 

After sharing the details of her personal experiences, Monica focuses on our online culture of humiliation today, considering that our use of social media has grown exponentially over the last two decades. Monica speaks out about how she would like to see the “elimination of a culture where shame is a commodity that drives clicks and advertising sales.” (https://the-journal.com/articles/136089) Many cyberbullies make a joke at another person’s expense to spark laughter in the crowd of viewers and look good in the eyes of others. No matter the circumstances, shaming and harassment is unacceptable and the way we communicate online needs to change. I come across inconsiderate comments on instagram daily. Most of the time, the people commenting rude things know little to nothing about their target’s personality, interests, or family life. Needless to say, I feel that many people need to think twice before they post because these comments that are made never go away and can have lasting impacts on the victim’s well being.