Anonymity is a powerful thing.
In any situation in which an individual's identity is not disclosed, they inevitably have far more confidence knowing that they will not be judged on a personal level for their actions. That confidence, however, can often give a person more incentive to attack others. Now, with social networking usage at an all-time high and technology advancing at a remarkable pace, cyber-bullying is on the rise, especially in the high school age group. In fact, according to statistics from the i-SAFE foundation, over half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have participated in the bullying.
This overwhelming flood of negativity has given teenagers a poor reputation when it comes to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Recently, however, high school students have been using the ability to be anonymous on the internet in a positive way. Students from hundreds of schools across the nation have been creating Facebook accounts dedicated to complimenting their peers - all anonymously.
Inspired by "Pay It Forward," a movie that promotes being kind to others, the "Facebook compliments" movement took off when four students at Queens University in Ontario, Canada started a Facebook page dedicated to complimenting their peers. Students wrote compliments to their peers in private messages to the Facebook account, which were posted as anonymous words of kindness. A staggering 1,500 comments were submitted in four days, out of which only about four or five were unkind.
This "cyber-graciousness" has spread to Connecticut as well; countless schools from well-known Yale University to the small Old Saybrook High School have pages on Facebook to carry on the movement of anonymous kindness.
"I added OSHS Compliments wondering what it was since almost 100 of my Facebook friends were friends with the page," says Lillian Bonin, a sophomore at Old Saybrook High School. She received an anonymous compliment through the Facebook page shortly after discovering it. "I didn't expect to get a compliment so quickly, especially one that addressed some of my insecurities. It made me feel really loved and accepted."
Movements like this have proven that social networking and anonymity on the internet doesn't just spread hate - love can be spread anonymously too. However, the message of kindness doesn't have to stop when you leave your computer. Encourage others to participate in the "Pay It Forward" movement by doing good deeds, no matter how small. Establish a personal goal of making someone smile every day. Tell someone that you love them. As cliché as it may sound, you'll be surprised by how much simple actions like these will improve not only the quality of your own life, but also brighten the lives of others.
Why is that? Why do people always accept that bullying is JUST FINE as long as someone else does it for you? The vast majority of people calling for an end to bullying are bullies themselves. How can a society expect their children not to bully when they are surrounded by an entire society which bases its core fundamental beliefs on bullying people in every single aspect of their lives? Most parents are just a bunch of hypocrites. So change. Don't be a hypocrite. Raise your children in an environment that does NOT promote bullying. www.lewrockwell.com
This is America. Children who are abused by their parents grow up to be bullies. There is no defense for this behavior. It is so much harder to help to change a child or young adult after they have been abused physically and mentally. I would rather focus my efforts on educating people before the problem happens. It's like smoking during pregnancy. Not much you can do after that baby is born with problems.
it isn't what one could call direct abuse, but rather simply, a lack of care or even awareness of the child. bullying by neglect, maybe? and you wonder why so many children develop a sense of 'i'm not really wanted" other parents are models of understanding and communication and it shows, as the child is calm, smiling, eyes alert and curious, and they interact with others. those childrens needs are being met, and it has time to absorb more of what goes on around itself, rather than gird itself for the next unanticipated 'yank' or demand from the parent.
Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. - Matthew 7:1-2 Please think about that. It's a verse I learned in my bible study. Oh, and by the way, I'm a high school student with a Facebook account.
some call it 'disruption therapy', oddly enough it has succeeded in dragging hapless people into pointless and non-productive confrontations, right when they feel vulnerable and open to emotional scarring. it's a form of bullying, get it?
What a wonderful and hopeful article you have posted. This is the first I have heard of positive anonymity on the internet: I love it - what a great idea. I certainly hope it's going to catch on. Good for you Miss Cassie Martin for sharing this emerging trend. Thanks for caring about the world enough to do so. XO, Joannie H.
I am so impressed with both the quality of your writing and the quality of your thoughts on this topic. I agree with you that positive deeds and actions are the way to change the world. Your article reminded me of a quote by Mother Theresa "I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there." Keep up the good work! Your old neighbor, Tina C.
Thank you so much! It's so great to hear from you. This comment made my day; I really appreciate it. :) I absolutely love the Mother Theresa quote; it's one of my favorites. Thanks again for the comment! I'm so happy you like the article! -Cassie