Understanding the Risks of Cyberbullying on Instagram

Commonly used apps like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook influence social interactions and communications in our lives. However, it has a downside. People often become too offensive, and that can be considered harassment or bullying. Nearly 46% of U.S. teens aged 13-18 have been victims of cyberbullying. They are being targeted as victims of harassment, threats, and social isolation. 

Bullying existed long before the internet came but the excessive use of smartphones has made it more pervasive. The Internet is vast and it is challenging to regulate online content. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying on Instagram has no limits. It has a long-term impact on teens’ mental health as it causes depression, anxiety, and damage to self-esteem. To protect children from going through emotional pain, you must find ways to stop cyberbullying.

1. Direct threats and Online harassment

Instagram is one social app that involves a lot of drama, bullying, and gossip among people. People get rude to one another by dropping bad comments and sharing content to make it viral. It also gets worse if you get online threats when people start misusing the application for their entertainment. If you face such threats, you should immediately take action and safeguard yourself. But, for some, it becomes difficult to overcome the feelings of being insulted or humiliated. Instead of getting distressed or feeling sad about it, you must share it with your family and get help.

Teens and adults should avoid making contact with unknown people on social media apps on phones. Simple things go a long way in securing your iPhone. Apps to hide photos and safe browsers to avoid spam risks are some basic steps in this regard. Apple security warning actively responds if you or someone else encounters any type of cyberstalking or online impersonation.

Unlike pop-ups from scammers, the notification sent by Apple has a preset format that provides additional steps to protect devices through Apple security alerts. Genuine notifications will never ask you to click any links, open files, or download suspicious apps. You can learn more from Moonlock Engine. The team uses cybersecurity features that guard iPhone and Mac with a more human approach than robotic. You get the best software with the latest security features that help you overcome risks on your iPhones.

2. Sudden blocked out from a group

Sometimes, your group members might plan to exclude you. You might feel left out or socially isolated. They might also spread false rumors about your personal life on Instagram. This is a very common cyberbullying that many youngsters face these days. You get scared and anxious about going to college or getting social. You feel stressed and fear sharing about the bullying incident. 

Hiding these incidents will not help instead you must report harassment. The Instagram bullying policy is designed to keep its users safe on the platform. You can report your issues with all the details to the team.

3. Surrounded by negative comments

Getting comments on your posts is one way to discuss an issue or spread awareness at the world level. But, some people with bad intentions make a deliberate attempt to use comments to hurt people’s sentiments and feelings. You get so disturbed by such negative comments about your physical appearance and looks. It is upsetting to read such disrespectful comments. It can shatter an individual’s self-confidence and make them upset. 

So how to stop cyberbullying on Instagram and other social media apps? You must report it to Instagram and other communities about it and let the team review it. Share all the details like:

• Username
• Descriptions of the content
• Captions
• A reason on why you feel it is offensive (if asked for)
• Screenshots (in specific cases)

If the comments violate the community guidelines, the global support team will take prompt action.

4. Inappropriate messages in inbox

Receiving messages from fake accounts, or getting messages that urge to self-harm or cause self-injury are unacceptable. Instagram does not allow content that encourages violence, or posts that directly attacks someone’s identity. You must complain to the Instagram Community and avoid reacting to such offensive messages. 

The built-in reporting option of Instagram comprises a global team that is constantly working to remove content after reviewing the report. The Instagram violation of guidelines report option is open to all. Once identified as a credible threat, the official team will make a move. These features are present on all the social media apps so use it whenever needed.

5. Disputes and misunderstandings

Sometimes, people from different communities and diverse backgrounds might get into a dispute. They might form a group against you and send offensive messages that take the form of harassment. If you find someone using your photos on his/her account. Do not respond to any messages as it may worsen the situation. 

Simply report it to the authorities and provide all the necessary details. There are various options available to you when you send a report on Instagram. Choose the correct options and safeguard yourself. Let the concerned authorities investigate and work with law enforcement. In case you feel you are capable of sorting it out on your own, take a break. Get away from the app for a day or so and return when you have a solution or feel confident that you can handle it in an easy manner. 

6. The snowball effect of teasing and bullying

Cyberbullying on Instagram starts with teasing and you don’t realize when the comments start taking a different shape. Teasing if done in a fun and playful way is a good way to influence each other. It helps you to change your behavior and learn appropriate ways of doing things. But it becomes cyberbullying if it is done repeatedly to hurt via a social media app. This hurts a person from the inside and leaves them mentally shattered.

On social platforms, whether it is a fun app like Instagram or a short video app like TikTok, or the serious discussion website Reddit, it becomes difficult to differentiate whether you are being mocked or bullied. You do not know how to respond and you tend to start to get anxious or feel threatened. 

You must address the issue by either unfollowing the person or blocking the person. Report it to the local emergency services without causing a delay. Deleting the comment will not help you take further action without getting afraid. The report is anonymous and it shall not affect you in any way.

Conclusion

Instagram cyberbullying is a serious offense and it should be strictly regulated. The social struggles and psychological damage that it causes to youngsters cannot be measured. It leads to permanent mental trauma among teens and makes them helpless. It also hinders the ability to communicate at a social level. Social media has expanded our reach but it is important to address the dark side too.

You must be aware of the community guidelines and share your posts accordingly. Share content that helps to maintain a positive environment and for entertainment people. Understand that the content plays a great role in making Instagram an authentic and safe place for expression.