How Do You Spell CYBERBULLYING?

Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ɪbəbˌʊlɪɪŋ] (IPA)

Cyberbullying is spelled as [ˈsaɪbərˌbʊliɪŋ]. The word consists of two parts: "cyber" referring to the use of technology, and "bullying" meaning the act of intimidating or harassing someone. The first syllable is pronounced as "sigh-ber" with stress on the first syllable, while the second syllable has a schwa sound before the "b," and the final syllable is pronounced as "ling." This word is commonly used to describe the act of using technology, such as social media or messaging, to bully or harass someone else.

CYBERBULLYING Meaning and Definition

1. Cyberbullying refers to the act of using electronic communication tools, primarily the internet and social media platforms, to engage in aggressive and hostile behavior aimed at intimidating, harassing, or threatening an individual or group. This form of bullying occurs online, targeting victims through various digital channels such as emails, instant messaging, text messages, social networking sites, online gaming environments, forums, and blogs.

   Cyberbullying typically involves repetitive and deliberate acts, where the perpetrator seeks to harm the victim emotionally, psychologically, or socially. It can manifest in different forms, such as sending offensive or threatening messages, spreading rumors or lies, sharing embarrassing or manipulated photos/videos, creating fake profiles or accounts to pose as the victim, or excluding them from online groups.

   The consequences of cyberbullying can be severe and long-lasting, leading to significant emotional distress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, social isolation, and even suicidal thoughts or actions. It disproportionately affects young people, as they are more likely to use digital platforms extensively and may lack the necessary coping mechanisms to deal with cyberbullying incidents.

   Efforts have been made globally to address cyberbullying through legislation and awareness campaigns, urging individuals, parents, educators, and policymakers to recognize and actively combat this harmful behavior. Education on internet safety, promoting responsible digital citizenship, fostering empathy, and creating safe online environments are crucial in preventing and mitigating the impacts of cyberbullying on individuals and society as a whole.

Common Misspellings for CYBERBULLYING

• cyberbulying
• cyburbullying
• cybarbullying

Etymology of CYBERBULLYING

The word "cyberbullying" is a combination of "cyber" and "bullying".

The term "cyber" is derived from the word "cybernetics", which was coined by Norbert Wiener in the 1940s. Initially, cybernetics referred to the study of control mechanisms in living organisms and machines. Over time, it has been associated with the field of computer science, particularly in relation to electronic communication, information technology, and the internet.

The term "bullying" comes from the Middle Dutch word "boele", meaning "lover" or "brother". However, it evolved to mean "sweetheart" and later transformed to "a tyrant, a person who keeps a prostitute". Eventually, it took on its modern meaning of "harassing or intimidating behavior, typically repeated over time, indicating an imbalance of power".