Internet Is A Boon Or A Curse Essay

“The internet has been a boon and a curse”. As more people use social media sites there has been a progressive amount of cyberhate online. Cyber haters have taken over the online world with their dictatorial judgments. Stating explicit things, stating lies to harm someone 's reputation, stating threats or acts of harm all categorizes as what is known today as hate crimes. Social media has opened the door for cyber haters to commit the recurring hate crimes. The autonomy of social media allows people to participate in online hating because of the ability to be anonymous and the lack of regulations on what can be done online. Cyber heaters are attracted to use online sites as a way to hate on others because the lack of confrontation shields …show more content…
The majority of cyber haters are unknown because the anonymity gives them the chance to speak truthfully and the chances of the victim finding out their assailant is minimal to none. Whether the individual creates a fake persona or is completely anonymous the person becomes disconnect to his or hers own moral values of sympathizing others. This new persona hides away any insecurities the attacker has creating a new found confidence to say whatever he or she wants. For instance with the app Yik Yak, an anonymous site mostly used by college students, allows people to post anonymously about their views and opinions within a certain demographic. However, recently the app was being scrutinized over racist comments, reinforce stereotypes of fraternities and sororities, and spread rumors about individuals being posted. The students’ anonymous hate is an expression of their discontentment however it shows their lack empathy of others online. This concept of deindividuation, where a person loses his or her self awareness is present among the number of cyber haters due to the lack of conformity online. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter all prompt self express which cyber haters take advantage of and degrade others since in the offline world such behavior is frowned upon. There is no consequence for their actions allowing anonymous cyber haters to get …show more content…
All social media sites have a blocking feature, which is irrelevant in trying to end the problem of hate crimes. Blocking someone online does not prohibit the cyber haters from finding their next victim. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter all go against societal norms in how people interact because the rules do not apply to online media. Cyber haters know that they are protected under the fourth amendment right of the Constitution, freedom of speech. For example, Anthony Elonis, he was prosecuted by his ex-wife after posting several threatening rap lyrics he created about killing her on Facebook. Elonis was the first case to be prosecuted as a cyber harassers that brought attention to authorities. It brought questioning as to how our legal system is able to deal with these issues and what actions can be made to put an end to cyber haters. Therefore authorities have been trying defining what can be considered a true threat which can be held up against in court. However because do not see cyber harassment with the same severity compares to sexual harassment or domestic abuse. They believe the solution to end cyber hate is by simply getting up and leave the computer to avoid abuse. So the Supreme court ending would ultimately end in favor of Elonis deciding on lack of evidence. Anthony and his rap lyrics are an example about how cyber attackers can commit hate crimes and not