Abstract
The Internet's design and raison d'être are complete freedom, but complete freedom might lead to anarchy and to harmful and anti-social activities. In this paper I address the concepts of moral and social responsibility, applying them to the Internet realm in considering the most troubling phenomenon of cyberbullying that results in loss of life. Specifically, I probe the moral and social responsibilities of Internet users (agents), of parents and of the education system in fighting cyberbullying. Balance needs to be struck between two most important principles: freedom of expression and social responsibility. Illustrative examples in which this disturbing and harmful phenomenon of cyberbullying had cost young life are mentioned. It is argued that all relevant stakeholders need to think of the consequences of their conduct, that Internet abusers should be accountable for their wrongdoing and be penalized, and that people who have the ability to stop or at least reduce the risk of cyberbullying should take proactive steps, exhibiting zero tolerance to cyberbullying.
Highlights
This paper applies the concepts of moral and social responsibility to the internet in considering bullying and cyberbullying that result in loss of life
It is further argued that all relevant stakeholders need to think of the consequences of their conduct, that internet abusers should be accountable for their wrongdoing and be penalized, and that people who have the ability to stop or at least reduce the risk of cyberbullying should take proactive steps, exhibiting zero tolerance to cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a heart-wrenching phenomenon because the majority of young lives that were cut short could have been saved if the relevant stakeholders, parents, schools, internet intermediaries and governments were to take appropriate steps to fight against it
Summary
The Internet has comprehensive and far-reaching positive effects. its very foundations, based on innovation, easy use, relatively cheap cost, and near-universal accessibility made the Internet open for use and abuse. This was yet another case of people who absolve themselves from guilt and compassion This sombre list of victims is meant to give a face to numbers and to explain that abuse of free expression has terrible consequences, that liberty should not be translated into a licence to harm, and that boundaries to speech must be introduced on the Internet in order to facilitate a secure and safe environment for users. These are agonizing phenomena because they result each and every year with suicides of mostly young people whose death could have been avoided if only people – bullies and others -- were to act with greater sense of responsibility. We need to work harder in employing remedies into effective use and prevent violence and harm
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call