“Cyberbullying is defined as "bullying that involves the use of e-mail, instant messages, and digital images sent via cellular phones, Web pages, Web logs (blogs), chat rooms or discussion groups and other information technologies” (Mooney 34). The effects of cyberbullying can be catastrophic. They include a lapse in homework, depression, sleeping issues, and even suicide in extreme situations. Many different types of cyberbullying exist among the various social networking sites. These include flaming, harassment, denigration, exclusion or ostracism, cyberstalking, harmful video recordings, and sexting. With an array of forms for cyberbullying, the internet becomes exceedingly more dangerous to developing teenagers. “Flaming refers to a brief, heated exchange between two or more individuals that occurs via any communication technology” (Kowalski, Limber, and Agatston 62). Cyber harassment exists as a unique type of cyberbullying that includes continuous repulsive and offensive messages sent to harm a victim. “Denigration is information about another that is derogatory and untrue,” posted online or via text messaging (63). Online exclusion occurs in a variety of online social networking sites when a target is rejected and removed from a virtual “hangout.” “Cyberstalking refers to the use of electronic communications to stalk another person through repetitive …show more content…
They claim, “Social media provides them a variety of ways to go about making positive change,” (Barnes and Laird) whether in strengthening self-image, growing confidence in communicating with others, and helping adolescents become more interested in learning. “It is not just an avenue for socializing; kids and adolescents can be creative, interact, and learn (Chau 2010). Social networking provides an alternative way to get students interested in learning with a new and previously unconventional medium” (Rosen 2011 qtd. in Barnes and Laird). Through social networking, students can express themselves through blogs and pictures to research more about the material being taught and how it applies to modern day society. It also allows them to potentially create their personal blog to express themselves and communicate with others about the information learned. This aspect of social networking proves advantageous and seemingly harmless, though it still remains more beneficial to speak with peers and adults about the lesson or information discussed in class or on an assignment rather than type or text about it. Verbal discussions develop professional communication skills and force students to quickly process and analyze the presented