In 1994 one of the first and earliest social media platforms was launched. It was a website called “Geocities”, a place in which users could post their own websites in virtual “cities” for other users to see. 

Since then, social media has done nothing but grow more and more to the point that it is today, which is constantly expanding to more people. In and of itself, many jobs have been created, social events planned, friends made, and even money acquired; however, there have also been just as many things lost, or even destroyed with the use of this grand public space. 

On websites like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or any place where you can post, photos, videos, and even just opinions, there is the possibility for other people to respond to posts. While many of these responses are from loving friends and family, there are also hate comments from people who maybe aren’t as confident as their victims. They attack them in a way where they don’t encounter in-person confrontation.

Unfortunately, more times than not these pitiful attacks work and can cause an increase in young adults developing mental illnesses, like depression and even eating disorders. 

While all of these sites have ways to either block or report the attackers, some of the more aggressive of them will just make new accounts, or use other people’s accounts to keep harassing those unlucky enough to have been spotted by them. 

If you are being harassed, let someone know. No matter who the harasser may be, telling someone is better than just quietly accepting it. On the other hand, if you keep texting, snapping, or DMing somebody and they don’t respond, then take the hint and leave them alone, especially if they block you. Respect their answer and stop.