TED ANKARA COLLEGE / 9-P
Safety In Cyberspace
özge AKIŞ
32
Everyone finds themselves in cyberspace one way or another . Online interaction is inevitable in the current world . Online platforms can be used for creative and beneficial purposes . Still , as long as we are in cyberspace , we are bound to witness or get involved in some sort of conflict . People on the Internet can state their opinions easily and almost with no outcome . Therefore , many opposing beliefs and opinions collide and both sides can get aggressive . However , just like how these problems can lead to bigger issues , we can also prevent such cases easily .
On the Internet , everyone is anonymous , so are your opinions . This can be seen as an opportunity for many online users . They can express their thoughts – even the ones that can be harmful for certain people and communities – with no real consequences . When some beliefs and opinions may be innocent enough to share with everyone on the Internet , some can be considered cyberbullying and discrimination .
Moreover , what seems like a simple comment on the Internet can lead to bigger issues later on . Everyone can access everything on the Internet . Therefore , an opinion can gain popularity really quickly . Once a harmful ideology gains influence , things can get out of control very quickly . One little argument can turn into social conflicts that can cause large scale discrimination . The butterfly effect can be observed clearly on the Internet in such cases . Misunderstandings or comments that seem harmless can lead to opinions that violate human rights .
Fortunately , these problems are not that difficult to prevent . First of all , the Internet should be used consciously . Victims of such situations should try to stand for themselves and get help from others and the law when necessary . Cyberbullying is still bullying and can have as serious consequence as other forms of emotional or physical abuse . Legal actions should be taken without a doubt in cases like this .
In conclusion , even if you are using the Internet with good intentions , cyberspace can sometimes be dangerous for all . Discrimination and bullying on online platforms should not be tolerated and these users should not get away with their actions . These users should be reminded that everything they do on the Internet still has real consequences and more legal actions should be taken in serious matters .