Final answer:
Cyberbullying is online harassment involving activities like sending threatening messages and posting hurtful content, which unlike traditional bullying, can occur constantly and anonymously. It raises questions about deviance being objective or subjective as societal norms evolve with technology. The effects of cyberbullying are extensive, causing emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical harm to victims.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that takes place over digital devices and platforms, such as mobile phones, computers, and tablets. It involves a range of malicious activities aimed at harassing, embarrassing, or threatening individuals online. These activities can include sending threatening messages, spreading rumors, posting hurtful images or messages on public platforms, and cyberstalking. Unlike traditional face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying can occur 24/7 and can reach a victim in the privacy of their own home.
The debate over whether deviance is objective or subjective can be illustrated through cyberbullying. Deviance is considered objective when it refers to behaviour that violates societal norms and is deemed wrong by societal standards, regardless of individual opinions. Subjectively, deviance arises when there is a social reaction to behavior; the behavior itself is not inherently deviant, but becomes so through social definition and reaction. The anonymity and pervasive reach of cyberbullying complicates these definitions, as societal norms around online behavior continue to evolve. Furthermore, the impact is subjectively interpreted, as different individuals may respond to or perceive cyberbullying in various ways.
Debates around cyberbullying exemplify Ogburn’s cultural lag, in which society’s nonmaterial culture lags behind the advances in material culture, leading to a period of adjustment and social redefinition of norms. The emergence of cyberbullying necessitates a re-evaluation of our understanding of deviant behavior, as traditional concepts may not fully apply to the digital context.
Cyberbullying has significant impacts on victims, including emotional distress, lower self-esteem, health problems, increased risk of substance abuse, and a higher likelihood of self destruction ideation. Studies show that cyberbullying affects a considerable proportion of middle and high school students, with some demographic groups being more susceptible to becoming victims.