Online abuse and its impact on victims

Nairobi; Kenya: The Internet happens to be the most useful invention today and its uses are numerous. For many, it is a profuse source of information, to others a wellspring of entertainment or a source of commerce.

Regardless of how you use this technology, the Internet has without a doubt turned out to be an alternate world that exists in our reality, where one can escape to with just a touch of a button.

However, just like the real universe, there exist corrupt and depraved people within cyberspace who use the forum just to attack, torment and humiliate individuals, harming their reputation as well as their self-worth. Such 'cyber bullies' have made it possible for online abuse to gradually become a typical trend among Kenyans on social media. Many people, most of whom are celebrities, have been on the receiving end of this abuse.

Even though cyber-harassment does not take place in person similar to verbal and physical bullying, the impact it has on an individual can be pretty much as ruinous and to some, if not dealt with, can become a significant hurdle in their lives.

The effects of online abuse can be devastating, leaving one emotionally hurt, humiliated, or even suicidal. To exacerbate matters, some victims of online abuse tend not to seek help but instead conceal the fact that they are being abused online presumably because they are apprehensive about further harassment.

Common symptoms of online abuse include depression, feelings of sadness and dejection, loss of interest towards interacting with people, increased consumption of alcohol and use of drugs.