By Ye Zhang Pogue and Yilei Zhou

On January 24, 2022, a Chinese 15-year-old named Liu Xuezhou tragically took his own life by overdosing on antidepressants beside the sea. A year earlier, Liu had initiated an online search to locate his biological parents, a journey that required considerable effort and drew the attention of countless netizens. However, soon after reuniting with his parents, accusations began to surface that Liu had demanded real estate from them. This incited malicious speculation online with some individuals suggesting he was creating a fictitious narrative or seeking fame. In a matter of days, the criticism amplified as netizens began ridiculing him and accusing him of wasting his parents' money. The barrage of spiteful comments exacerbated his depression, and, overwhelmed, Liu chose to end his life.

The behavior that precipitated Liu Xuezhou's demise is termed "cyberbullying". On the Internet, individuals have the right to free speech, but that frequently facilitates online aggression across various media platforms. The impact of this virtual violence on individuals and society is substantial. The International Health Organization defined it in 1999 as the use of physical force or other intimidating measures against oneself, others, or groups, potentially resulting in casualties, death, psychological injury, and other detrimental behaviors. Others have proposed a more specific definition: Cyber violence constitutes a digital attack that leverages the Internet to invade the privacy of individuals and slander, abuse, and mock them via diverse means including doxxing and textual or visual content, causing both mental and physical distress. Unlike real-world violence, cyber aggression exhibits unique characteristics such as low-cost participation, undifferentiated targets, and herd mentality, as well as extreme emotional reactions.

The damage of cyberbullying

Online violence inflicts significant damage on individuals' mental and physical health. The parties involved are subjected to intrusive practices like doxxing that disrupt their daily lives. Additionally, attacks on victims through language, text, and images greatly impact their psychological health. Online violence can induce a range of negative emotions, and in severe cases, may result in depressive disorders, suicide attempts, and physical ailments.

Online violence also contributes to social polarization. While the Internet allows for free speech, it can amplify conflicts between opposing groups, sometimes provoking extreme reactions. Furthermore, it exposes people's personal information, reducing their sense of security and causing potential panic and anxiety.

The prevalence of online violence subtly warps societal moral values. As Internet users target victims, many bystanders unthinkingly join the onslaught. Over time, their sense of empathy erodes, leaving them indifferent and disengaged, mere spectators to the turmoil.

How to address cyberbullying?

One netizen recounted an experience of online harassment from a seller following a dispute over an online transaction. He offered the following advice: When faced with slander, disinformation, or bullying, don't immediately attempt to vindicate yourself, as you risk falling into the “self-proof trap”. Refraining from validating the harasser's claims can catch them off guard. Leveraging privacy settings on social platforms can help block bullies and minimize continuous harassment. However, when the attack originates from multiple online aggressors, these methods may prove insufficient. In such cases, seeking external help is advisable.

Legal recourse is also a viable option against online violence. Gathering evidence, procuring legal representation, and eventually filing a lawsuit can serve as effective countermeasures. While the law can take various measures to punish cyberbullying, these actions can only take place after harm has been inflicted.

Moreover, we can take preventive measures. For instance, one can refrain from posting overly personal information online, as cyberbullies often exploit such data to harass individuals.

Above all, we must neither participate in online violence nor remain passive onlookers.