Cyberbullying and Online Etiquette (With RUTH CABAL)

Summary

The video script by Ruth Cabal addresses the alarming issue of cyberbullying, highlighting its various forms such as name-calling, online harassment, fraping, inappropriate photos, and trolling. It emphasizes the damaging impact of such behavior on individuals, especially children, and the potential legal consequences under acts like the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013. The script advises on responsible online engagement, sensitivity to audience, and appropriate internet language to prevent cyberbullying and foster a respectful digital environment.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Cyberbullying includes shaming, threatening, and sending hate messages online with the intent to harm.
• 🌐 One in three children globally has experienced online bullying, with verbal abuse being common in the Philippines.
• 👥 Name-calling on social media can lead to lowered self-esteem and is a form of cyberbullying if repeated.
• 📩 Online harassment involves sending hate messages or threats through social media platforms.
• 🔓 Fraping is a form of cyberbullying where someone unauthorizedly accesses and posts on someone's social media account.
• 📸 Sharing inappropriate or private photos without consent is a form of cyberbullying that can damage reputations.
• 🐡 Trolling involves deliberately posting controversial content to provoke and harm others online.
• 📜 Legal consequences of cyberbullying can include lawsuits under the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and Data Privacy Act of 2012.
• 🤝 Practice positive online engagement by considering the impact of your words on others.
• 👀 Be sensitive to your audience and the context when making jokes or comments online.
• 🔤 Use appropriate internet language to avoid miscommunication and ensure your message is received as intended.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is cyberbullying, its different forms, and how to prevent it, with emphasis on the importance of being mindful about online interactions.

How does the video define cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is defined as shaming, threatening, or sending hate to someone on the internet, often with a targeted and malicious intention to harm the individual.

What are some of the forms of cyberbullying mentioned in the script?

The script mentions several forms of cyberbullying, including name-calling, online harassment, fraping, inappropriate photos, and trolling.

Why is name-calling considered cyberbullying?

Name-calling is considered cyberbullying when it is repeated and aimed at harming someone's self-esteem. While it may seem harmless initially, if it continues, it can become a serious issue.

What is 'fraping,' and how is it related to cyberbullying?

Fraping refers to accessing someone’s social media account without their permission and posting malicious content to embarrass or harm their reputation. It is considered a form of cyberbullying.

What example is given in the script to highlight the impact of cyberbullying on children?

The script mentions Pauleen Luna’s daughter, who was the target of degrading comments online. This example demonstrates that even children can become victims of cyberbullying.

How can online harassment escalate into legal consequences?

Online harassment can lead to legal consequences, as people can be sued or charged for sending threatening or hateful messages under laws like the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

What is the 'ten-second rule' mentioned in the script?

The 'ten-second rule' advises people to refrain from posting or commenting on things that cannot be changed within ten seconds, encouraging mindfulness and sensitivity in online interactions.

What are some tips provided to prevent cyberbullying?

The script provides several tips, including practicing positive online engagement, being sensitive to your audience, and using appropriate internet language to prevent misunderstandings and harm.

What role does empathy play in preventing cyberbullying according to the script?

Empathy plays a crucial role in preventing cyberbullying, as the script advises people to put themselves in others' shoes before making potentially harmful comments, promoting respect and understanding in online interactions.

Outlines

00:00

😔 Understanding Cyberbullying

The first paragraph introduces the concept of cyberbullying, highlighting how it can manifest in online games like Mobile Legends and on social media platforms in the Philippines. It explains that what starts as harmless jokes can escalate into cyberbullying, which involves targeted shaming, threatening, and hate. The paragraph emphasizes the seriousness of cyberbullying, citing UNICEF statistics that one in three children worldwide has been a victim. It also discusses the impact of verbal abuse and harassment on youth in the Philippines and provides examples of different types of cyberbullying, including name-calling and online harassment. The story of Pauleen Luna's daughter being targeted serves as a real-world example of the consequences of such behavior.

05:03

🚫 Consequences of Cyberbullying

The second paragraph delves into the consequences of cyberbullying, outlining various forms such as fraping, where bullies access and misuse others' social media accounts to post embarrassing content, and the sharing of inappropriate photos without consent. It also touches on trolling, where individuals intentionally post controversial content to harm others' reputations. The paragraph warns of potential legal repercussions under the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and Data Privacy Act of 2012. It provides tips for responsible online behavior, such as practicing positive engagement, being sensitive to one's audience, and using appropriate internet language to avoid misunderstandings and cyberbullying.

10:11

💡 Preventing Cyberbullying

The third paragraph focuses on strategies to prevent cyberbullying, emphasizing the importance of respectful online interactions and the mindful curation of online content. It suggests that individuals should consider the impact of their words and actions, both online and offline, and use empathy to guide their behavior. The paragraph also advises on the use of appropriate internet language to prevent miscommunication and misunderstandings. It concludes with a reminder of the power of words and the need to use them correctly and truthfully to foster a positive online environment.

Keywords

💡Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying refers to the act of using digital communication platforms to harass, threaten, or intentionally cause emotional distress to others. In the video, it is discussed as a pervasive issue that can escalate from harmless jokes to serious harassment. The video provides examples such as name-calling and online harassment, emphasizing its negative impact on individuals, including children.

💡Name-calling

Name-calling is a form of verbal abuse where individuals use derogatory terms or insults to demean others. The video script mentions that such comments can be found on social media and can lead to lowered self-esteem if repeated. It cites the example of Pauleen Luna's daughter, who was subjected to degrading comments, illustrating the real-world consequences of name-calling.

💡Online harassment

Online harassment involves sending threatening or harmful messages through digital means with the intent to cause distress or discomfort. The video highlights that this can include hate messages or threats, and it warns of the legal implications, as people have been sued and charged for such actions.

💡Fraping

Fraping is the act of impersonating someone on social media by gaining unauthorized access to their account and posting content that can damage their reputation. The video describes fraping as a form of cyberbullying that involves malicious posts, emphasizing the invasion of privacy and potential legal consequences.

💡Inappropriate photos

Inappropriate photos refer to the sharing of private or offensive images without consent, which can harm the subject's reputation. The video script discusses how such sharing is a form of cyberbullying, using the irony of someone spreading private photos while cautioning others not to do the same as an example.

💡Trolling

Trolling is the act of deliberately provoking or upsetting others online, often by posting inflammatory or off-topic messages. The video connects trolling to cyberbullying, noting that it can lead to significant distress and mentions the case of a celebrity couple whose fans were targeted by trolls.

💡Anti-Bullying Act of 2013

The Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 is a Philippine law that aims to prevent and address bullying in all forms, including cyberbullying. The video mentions this act as one of the legal frameworks that can be invoked against cyberbullies, emphasizing the severity of the issue and the protections available to victims.

💡Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012

The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 is a law that criminalizes various forms of cyber offenses, including cyberbullying. The video script uses this act to underscore the legal repercussions of online harassment and the importance of responsible online behavior.

💡Data Privacy Act of 2012

The Data Privacy Act of 2012 is legislation that protects individuals' personal information from unauthorized use or disclosure. The video script mentions this act in the context of cyberbullying, highlighting the importance of safeguarding personal data and the consequences of violating privacy.

💡Positive online engagement

Positive online engagement is the practice of interacting with others on the internet in a respectful and constructive manner. The video encourages this approach, suggesting that individuals should consider how their comments may affect others and curate their online experiences to maintain a positive environment.

💡Appropriate Internet language

Appropriate Internet language involves using digital communication in a way that is respectful and considerate of others. The video advises minimizing the use of caps lock and excessive punctuation, which can be misinterpreted as aggressive, and suggests using emojis and GIFs to convey emotions more accurately.

Highlights

Deprecating comments like 'Dumb', 'Fool', and 'Freeloader' are common in online games like Mobile Legends.

Trash talking and name-calling are prevalent in the Philippines, extending beyond games to social media platforms.

Jokes can escalate into cyberbullying if not contained, potentially causing harm to others.

Cyberbullying is defined as targeted shaming, threatening, and hate sent to a person on the internet.

UNICEF reports that one out of three children worldwide has been a victim of online bullying.

In the Philippines, a significant portion of youth experience cyberviolence through verbal abuse and harassment.

Name-calling is the first type of cyberbullying, often starting harmlessly but can lower self-esteem if repeated.

Pauleen Luna's daughter was a victim of cyberbullying when a Facebook user reposted her photo with degrading comments.

Online harassment involves sending hate messages or threats through social media.

Fraping is a form of cyberbullying where a bully tries to access and misuse someone's social media account.

Inappropriate photos shared without consent can ruin a person's reputation.

Trolling is a deliberate act to harm or malign a person through controversial means.

Cyberbullying can lead to legal consequences under the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and Data Privacy Act of 2012.

To prevent cyberbullying, it's important to practice positive online engagement and empathize with others.

Knowing and being sensitive to your audience can prevent unintentional harm through humor or comments.

Using appropriate internet language can prevent misinterpretation and maintain respectful communication.

Words have the power to hurt, and it's crucial to be mindful of what is posted on social media.

Respect and compassion should be the guiding principles both on and offline.

Transcripts

"Dumb" "Fool" "Freeloader"

We usually see these kinds of deprecating comments and language in online games, such as Mobile Legends.

In the Philippines, which was once hailed as the social media capital of the world, trash talking and name-calling go beyond online games.

We usually encounter them in the comments section of different social media platforms and other discussion fora.

At first, they may start harmlessly, as friendly jokes. Still, we should be wary of what we say.

Sometimes, we might go overboard and inflict pain on others.

You might not notice it, but the jokes can easily escalate into cyberbullying, especially if they were not contained.

But first, what is cyberbullying?

I am Ruth Cabal.

Today, we will talk about cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying may constitute shaming, threatening, and sending out hate to a person on the internet.

Remember, it is targeted. Which means that there is an established intention to malign another person.

Jokes are supposed to be funny, as they say. However, if they repeatedly become a source of harm, it is a whole other story.

This may already fall under cyberbullying.

According to the UNICEF, one out of three children worldwide has been a victim of online bullying.

In the Philippines, almost a third of cyberviolence that the youth experience is in the form of verbal abuse and harassment.

Let us talk about the different kinds of cyberbullying.

Number one: Name-calling

When we scroll through our social media feeds, we are bound to see different posts and comments like these:

These types of comments fall under name-calling.

They also usually commence during episodes of physical bullying or bullying in real life.

One might think, “How can that be cyberbullying?”, or “It can be deleted!”

At first, they may be harmless. However, if repeatedly done, it may lower the self-esteem of the person who is the target of the harsh comments.

Before posting insulting remarks, ask yourself: What if someone does this to me, too?

Pauleen Luna’s daughter has been at the receiving end of these kinds of comments.

It started when a Facebook user reposted the photo of the child, beside her father Vic Sotto, with degrading undertones.

Even children are not exempted from cyberbullies!

Pauleen Luna sent a private message to the original poster, warning to sue them of cyberbullying.

In the end, the basher publicly apologized. Truly, what they did was wrong. They should be grateful that Pauleen Luna did not pursue the case.

Number two: Online harassment

In this age, you can send out messages to other people swiftly.

Before, you must wait for days or weeks before your letter arrives, but now, you may talk to them in real time.

One click, and your message is already sent.

However, this may not always be beneficial. Take a look at these screenshots:

Online harassment occurs when a person sends out hate messages or threats through social media.

This includes cursing out, threats, and the usage of unwarranted words to demean another person.

In these cases, the senders are motivated to shame the other person or to cause them discomfort.

There have been instances where individuals have been sued and charged of online harassment. Which is why we must think before we click!

Number three: Fraping

Have you ever posted a selfie in your friend’s Instagram account without them knowing?

Or have you made a status on a Facebook account after someone forgot to log it out?

Others might find this funny, but this is close to fraping.

However, in fraping, a “bully” tries to access a person’s social media account. If you think about it, this might be considered as hacking.

In these cases, the “bully” publishes shameful posts to embarrass the account owner.

Among the forms of fraping are malicious posts and photos to malign the reputation of the account owner.

Number four: Inappropriate photos

Inappropriate photos are similar to fraping.

In both cyberbullying techniques, the account owner did not consent to any of the posts published under their name.

Usually, these are obscene photographs or private message leaks that endangers their reputation.

We usually hear “don’t forget to like, comment and share” in vlogs, but these private documents do not need any sharing.

Isn’t it ironic how the person who spread the private photos first try to caution others to not do the same?

Worse, he capitalized on this to gain followers.

Beware! What you may consider as a simple gossip may already be cyberbullying.

Sharing is caring, but only for virtuous actions.

Number five: Trolling

Like cyberbullying, trolling is a deliberate and motivated act to endanger and malign a person through controversial means.

This, so that they will be the talk of the town.

Last 2016, the loveteam of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, also known as Aldub, garnered a solid fanbase.

The number of their bashers and trollers have risen the same way the number of avid supporters did.

One time, Maine posted on her personal blog that those who say ill against her on-screen partner, Alden, are not her real fans

She said, “They are claiming to be a part of Solid Maine United (SMU) just so people could put the blame on us."

If these instances of cyberbullying continue, they might as well profess their reasons before the court.

Depending on what you did, a case might be filed against you on the grounds of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and Data Privacy Act of 2012.

For those who love to gossip, you should be mindful of what comes out of your mouths.

Especially if these sentiments might be hurtful or false.

To prevent facing lawsuits, these are the things that you should and should not do.

Tip # 1: Practice positive online engagement

Remember to humanize everyone you engage with, even if your interactions are limited in online spaces.

Put yourself in their shoes and gauge how you would feel if you were sent the same comment or message. If it does not evoke positive feelings, why would you send it their way?

Instead of social media being a stress reliever, it might become the cause of your stress!

It’s not inherently bad to discuss serious matters on social media. But we must maintain respect towards the person we engage with.

We also have the choice to curate the content that we see online.

You may choose to follow people who contributes to and maintains your peace.

Tip # 2: Know and be sensitive to your audience

They say laughter is the best medicine. This is why people take pride in their sense of humor in social media.

Be careful, though. Make sure that you will make harmless jokes.

Assess whether they are already below the belt and insulting.

The ten-second rule is also a way to help us be more sensitive.

If someone cannot act on something within ten seconds, just keep it to yourself.

TIP # 3: Use appropriate Internet language.

Have you noticed how you use exclamation points, capitalized letters and exaggerated emojis when you get excited in your group chat?

Stay calm. In some cases, you should minimize the usage of caps lock and exclamation points.

If used inappropriately, they may easily be misinterpreted. The people you are talking to might think that you are shouting at them because of your exclamation points.

Sometimes, it is better to use emojis and GIFS to represent your emotions better, especially if you are talking to someone who does not personally know you.

Words, personal or online, have the capacity to hurt.

No matter how small this screen is, cyberbullying still harbor a big impact.

This is why we should be mindful of what we post in social media.

We must think about every post we make. Respect and compassion must prevail on or off screen.

Remember, words are powerful. Use it correctly.

Make sure it is right and true.

I am Ruth Cabal, for the Media and Information Literacy Project of UP Diliman.