Please Read: Cyber Bullying

In most of my posts I try to focus on social media do’s and dont’s, how to market yourself for the future or bring to light some of my thoughts on marketing. But today I’d like to touch on something a little different and very important. Cyber Bullying

Admittedly, I love that you guys read my blog. But please, before reading on, read this article because it is the basis for my post.

After reading that, I felt compelled to share it on Twitter, Facebook and my blog. As you all know, I am a huge proponent of social media sites, blogging and communications. There is so much good that can come from the use of these tools. Everyday on Twitter I see non-profit organizations raising money, different people tweeting words of inspiration and people connecting and sharing useful, productive information. I see this from a corporate level and I see this on a personal level. One of the reasons I love social media so much is the positive impact it can have.

Unfortunately, it also has the potential to be used as a weapon.

I first want to recognize the amount of courage that Naomi has for continuing to write and to stand up to cyber bullying. Amidst the name calling, cyber attacks and death threats, she continues to be strong and share her skills, opinions and content. Her beginning, most definitely humble, has helped her turn into a great and influential blogger. Her site, which has been created to help small business, is full of good intentions and great content. Not to mention insights to her personal life that allow you to connect with her message.

So why the attacks?

Because she is a woman? Because she is successful? Because she is influential? I don’t consider any of those to be the reason for the attacks. I believe the reason for the attacks aren’t because of who she is, but because of who the attackers are. Scared, closed minded individuals who use the internet to scare others. They are cyber bullies. And these cyber bullies are making serious threats founded on sexist beliefs that have no place online or in this world.

Most of the public relations classes I am in are made up of mostly women. Smart, independent women who are sure to succeed in the future. Many of them are great friends of mine. I would hate to think that in the future they might be attacked on the sole basis that they are a woman, because I know the potential they have to better peoples lives in the future is great.

You’ve read the article. I don’t need to explain to you why what is happening is wrong. But you also need to know that this isn’t the only case. As Naomi shared in her post, it has already happened to other women.

But it isn’t just happening to thought leaders and bloggers. And it isn’t even happening to just women or adults. It is happening all the time and everywhere.

As you have probably heard in the news and seen online, cyber bullying has become a problem for children, teens and in school. There are countless examples of how cyber bullying has affected children and teens. They are attacked by bullying not just at school, but when they return home and log on to their e-mail, visit social media sites and check their cell phones. You can see examples of child and teen cyber bullying here to understand the affect this can have on a person.

Social media in the hands of the right people can lead to great interactions, conversations and even great change. But, in the wrong hands, it can be used to degrade and attack others.

I’m writing this blog post for two reason:

1. To raise awareness about what is happening
2. To ask you to stand up to cyber bullying. Naomi has taken a brave first step and I want to stand up to cyber bullying with her.

I know the world isn’t perfect. I know there are terrible things that happen. But that shouldn’t stop me, you or Naomi from standing up to them.

Remember, cyber bullying doesn’t just happen to certain genders, races or ages. Cyber bullying can happen to everyone.

Please, share Naomi’s story with others. Stand up to cyber bullying. Help social media do some social good.

Stand up to cyber bullying on facebook or learn more ab out cyber bullying here.