Why do you bully online? A Rise in Doxing

Anonymity on the Internet is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it gives you the freedom to become whoever you want to be. On the other hand, it might encourage you to take out your frustrations on other people. If you’re wondering why you bully online and want to stop, this blog is for you.

Why is online bullying dangerous?

Just like traditional bullying, online harassment comes in many forms such as sending hurtful messages or comments.

A newer type of bullying online is called doxing which involves publishing someone’s identifying information. Doxing is often used to out celebrities and politicians who have harmful beliefs. However, it’s also a scare tactic that can be aimed at average people. This kind of bullying is the most dangerous because you never know who hides behind the screen. Even if you reveal a person’s information just to upset them, someone else might take advantage of it and harass the victim offline.

Bullying in any form might have a negative impact on the receiver’s well-being: it can make them feel isolated, unworthy and scared.

What do you get out of bullying?

If you realise that bullying is wrong and want to improve your behaviour, chances are you don’t enjoy hurting other people. So why do you do it?

• Bullying is often a way to distract yourself from your problems and insecurities
• It might be an unhealthy coping mechanism if you haven’t learnt how to process negative emotions
• It might be a way for you to get the attention you don’t get in ‘real life’
• You might have been bullied yourself so you respond by doing the same to feel more in control

How to stop being a bully online

Firstly, consider if anything in your life could be contributing to your behaviour. For example:

• If you put successful people down it might be because you’re dissatisfied with your job
• If you engage in doxing, it might be because you’re lonely and supporting a vendetta against someone helps you feel like a part of a community
• If you spread false rumours, you might be dealing with boredom
• If you post negative comments about someone’s appearance you might suffer from low self-esteem

These examples should inspire you to list all the areas in your life you’re unhappy with. It’s also helpful to think of any negative emotions you might be projecting onto other people like feelings of inadequacy, shame, fear or anger.

Next, consider if there’s something you can do to improve your situation such as finding a new hobby or staying away from social media.

Finally, if you suspect that your past experiences (such as bullying or trauma) might be the cause, it’s best to talk to a mental health professional who can help you understand how those shaped you. Bullying might give you a rush at first but doesn’t benefit you in the long run.