some say it doesn't really exist- cyberbullying, that is. you can just block the pest, shut down your computer, close your blog, deactivate your accounts, so on and so forth. but what people don't remember is that behind every online account is a real person that may actually be able to affect your real life.

the most direct way these people can harm you is emotionally. say an anon sends you a message on ask.fm, or on tumblr, or wherever else they may be able to conceal their identity. you open the message and receive what you believe to be unwarranted hate. you're not so strong, and although you block the IP address and delete the message, the deed has been done, and now your mood, and possibly your self esteem, has been affected.

the second way is if you're dealing with someone you unfortunately know irl. then they do actually hold the power to affect you both online and offline, whether through spreading rumours and one-sided stories, or twisting things you've said online to their benefit.

i don't like the term "cyberbullying". it sounds asinine and immature, but i suppose i don't really have another word to describe it.