Consequences of cyberbullying

Consequences for the Victim (Psychological and Social)

The consequences for the victim are the most documented and severe, encompassing a biopsychosocial spectrum.

Psychologically, as mentioned, the victim suffers anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and, in extreme cases, post-traumatic stress, reliving the humiliation long after the harassment has ceased.

Socially, the consequence is isolation; the victim loses trust in peers, withdraws from relationships and loses fundamental social skills.

Academically, the impact is direct: school failure. Stress and anxiety prevent concentration, and fear of the environment (which is often the same as the school environment) leads to absenteeism.

The victim stops going to class to avoid the aggressors or the embarrassment of seeing the observers.

Physically, psychosomatic symptoms such as insomnia, headaches and digestive problems appear.

Cyberbullying, in short, robs the victim of his or her well-being, performance and right to socialize.

Consequences for the Aggressor (Short- and Long-Term)

The aggressor does not emerge unscathed from his actions, although the consequences for him are of a different nature.

In the short term, the cyberbully may experience a reinforcement of his social status (if the group perceives him as "powerful") and a sense of control. However, he is developing a dysfunctional relationship pattern.

He is learning that violence and manipulation are valid tools to achieve his goals. In the long run, these behaviors become entrenched.

The cyberbully is more likely to develop antisocial behaviors in adulthood, including failure in his interpersonal relationships (inability to empathize), work problems and, in many cases, criminal behavior.

The lack of empathy and impulsivity that characterize the bully today predict difficulties in social adaptation tomorrow. In addition, if caught, he faces legal consequences and social stigma.

Consequences for Observers and the Environment

Observers, although not directly targeted, also suffer consequences.

Witnessing an injustice repeatedly without intervening generates in them a state of anxiety and guilt.

They know that what is happening is wrong, but their fear prevents them from acting, which creates cognitive dissonance.

They learn that passivity is a valid survival strategy and normalize violence, becoming insensitive to the suffering of others.

For the environment (classroom or school), the consequence is the creation of a toxic climate of fear. Trust is broken.

If cyberbullying is the norm, the classroom ceases to be a safe space for learning and becomes a hostile environment where the "law of the strongest" reigns.

Educational quality and group cohesion disintegrate, affecting the performance and well-being of all students, not just the victim.

Summary

For the victim, the consequences are devastating: anxiety, depression, school failure due to absenteeism and social isolation. Physically, she suffers from insomnia and other psychosomatic symptoms.

The aggressor learns a dysfunctional relationship model based on power. In the long term, this predicts antisocial behaviors, relationship problems and increased risk of committing criminal acts.

Observers also suffer, developing guilt and anxiety. They become insensitive to the suffering of others and the classroom climate becomes toxic, based on fear and distrust.