When did we start becoming cyber bullies?

Madam – The letters page in your paper is usually the first thing I turn to each week.

It’s always interesting to see what’s affecting my community, and read letters that highlight the tone of society today. So far this year, it seems the police, municipality and the escalating crime and accidents in and around Newcastle are what gets blood boiling the most.

I have refrained from writing this letter many times, always holding back because I never thought my two cents comments would be worth much. But increasingly I have come to realise that every opinion counts, be it in the form of a letter or a comment on your facebook.

I am one of the silent observers, who will read something and think “That’s not right”, but say nothing about it for fear of recrimination. And I wonder – how many more people like me are out there? And how many choose to keep silent, never believing that one little comment could have any sort of impact on someone’s day?

In recent months I came to realise the power of social media. How one comment can break someone down, or make someone smile. When did we start becoming cyber bullies? When did humanity start turning on those who are only there to keep people informed? This is why I have been silent till now. But I’ve noticed the increase and decided not to keep quiet anymore. Silence fuels the flame of cyber bullying.

I would love it if for just one day, people would think first before bashing something on their keyboards and tearing someone apart. Think first! It’s not that difficult!

Letters to the editor will continue being an important platform to reflect the current societal trends and needs. But I sincerely hope that people will start being more considerate towards others when they voice their opinions. A tiny bit of kindness goes further than the thrill of being malicious.

Silent no more