Blog post 4- How does cyberbullying or mean comments online hurt or sometimes help teen self-esteem?

My second Inquiry question is “How does cyberbullying or mean comments online hurt or sometimes help teen self-esteem?”

Cyberbullying can affect teen self esteem in serious ways because it changes how the brain and body respond to stress (1). When a teen is repeatedly targeted online, the brain can stay in a state of alert, which makes it harder to think clearly, focus, or feel confident (1). Stress hormones can rise, and that can affect sleep, concentration, and memory (5). Teens may also start to believe the negative things said about them, which can lower self worth over time (3). Cyberbullying can make teens compare themselves to others more harshly and feel like they are not good enough (2). It can also damage motivation and make schoolwork feel harder because stress uses up mental energy (1). Some teens begin to withdraw from social media or school activities to protect themselves (4). The constant nature of online bullying can make the emotional impact last longer than face to face teasing (7). Over time, this can lead to stronger self doubt and a weaker sense of identity (3). In this way, cyberbullying can deeply hurt how teens see themselves (6).

The emotional and physical effects of cyberbullying can be just as damaging (4). Teens may feel sad, anxious, embarrassed, angry, or alone after being targeted online (1). Their self esteem can drop because they start to feel rejected or unwanted by peers (3). Some teens lose interest in friends, hobbies, or posting online because they fear more attacks (4). Physical signs can also show up, such as headaches, stomachaches, trouble sleeping, or changes in appetite (5). Poor sleep can make mood and self esteem even worse the next day (5). Constant stress may also leave teens feeling tired, tense, or sick more often (7). In some cases, cyberbullying can make teens avoid school or social events because they want to hide from judgment (4). The emotional pain can build up quietly, so adults may not notice it right away (6). Overall, cyberbullying can hurt both the mind and body while making teens feel less confident and less secure in themselves (1).