The phenomenon of teenagers collectively harassing a mother who was selling goods via a live stream on a social media platform has drawn the attention of dr Yusuf Ryadi, MKM, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition (FKGiz) at IPB University.
According to him, this phenomenon indicates a social trend that reflects the quality of interactions within society. Social media should serve as a space for building positive communication and interaction, but it is often used instead as a means to vent aggression and negative emotions.
“This highlights a gap between technological advancement and the cultural and psychological readiness of our society. Bullying on social media is a form of real verbal violence that has serious consequences for society. This phenomenon must be understood as a serious issue that demands collective attention and needs to be addressed together,” he stated firmly.
dr Yusuf explained that teenagers who are quick to hurl insults on social media are going through a developmental stage characterized by immature emotional regulation and self-control. The anonymous and instant nature of social media makes them feel safe to spontaneously express harsh words in comment sections without facing immediate consequences.
“Children who are accustomed to bullying are at risk of developing harsh communication patterns, struggling to build healthy relationships, and may even experience psychological issues such as social anxiety or difficulty adapting to the real world,” he said.
From the victim’s perspective, these unexpected digital verbal attacks risk triggering emotional distress, stress, anxiety, and a loss of self confidence. Victims may feel isolated, afraid to reappear in public, or hesitant to continue activities they previously undertook with great hope.
“For the elderly, the impact can be more severe because they are more emotionally vulnerable and unaccustomed to dealing with social pressure in digital spaces. In the long term, these persistent negative experiences can leave psychological scars in the form of trauma, shame, or social withdrawal,” added dr Yusuf.
As a solution, dr Yusuf emphasized that mitigation strategies must focus collectively on psychological and social aspects. “Teens need to be equipped with digital literacy that emphasizes the ethics of communication in public spaces,” he explained.
Education, he continued, must emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for others. Through learning in school, at home, and within the community, adolescents can be trained to view social media as a means of building positive interactions, rather than a place to vent emotions or seek attention by belittling others.
From a community perspective, society must take action to establish new social norms that eradicate the culture of bullying and discrimination. “Collective support in the form of an outpouring of positive comments, standing up for victims, and mass reporting of bullying content is crucial to creating social pressure, so that abusive behavior is no longer considered normal,” he emphasized.
Institutionally, digital platforms, social media, and educational institutions play a major role in shaping a healthy ecosystem. Content moderation, digital literacy campaigns, and education on communication ethics must go hand in hand.
“With this collective approach, the phenomenon of online abuse on social media will be viewed as a shared issue that demands social solidarity and strict regulations,” he concluded. (dh) (IAAS/KQA)
