Cyberbullying – Who’s ResponsibleJacque Lewis

Statement of the Problem• Social media provides easy ways to

communicate online• Great for education, networking, and

reconnecting• Cyberbullying starting to become more

common• 73% of internet users have witnessed

online harassment• 40% have personally experienced it (Pew

Research Center).

Research QuestionShould Social Networks Enforce More Strict Rules for Social Media Harassment?

Significance and Purpose• Adds to growing awareness of this issue• 45% of users have experienced threats,

stalking and sexual harassment (Pew Research Center).

• Discuss whether social networks should be held responsible for what happens on their website.

• Social networks cannot control the actions of their users but they can definitely discipline them when the rules are broken

Scope and Limitations• Project covers cyberbullying on social

networks like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram• Discusses laws in the United States

regarding cyberbullying• Age Bracket – 14-22 - Male/Female – U.S.

Methodology• Qualitative Research Method – Inductive

In-depth Research Questions

• Is it the social network’s responsibility to enforce rules regarding cyberbullying?

• Is cyberbullying protected by the First Amendment?

• Why does cyberbullying sometimes go unreported?

#HiddenBullies• Interviews recorded in Google Hangout• Webinarsonair• Searched social networks, blogs, google• Sent e-mails to over a 100 different

professionals who study and speak on cyberbullying

• Interview length – 15 minutes to about an hour

• Editing - Adobe CC – Premiere, After Effects, Audition

#HiddenBulliesDeborah Gonzalez, Esq.

• Practices law in Georgia• Travels throughout the year to discuss legal

issues regarding social media• Collects and reposts stories related to

cyberbullying daily• Interview – 30 minutes

FindingsSection 230 – Communications Decency Act

“Providers of an interactive computer service who publishes information provided by others are immune from liability for words spoken by

others using the service”

Findings• Social Networks can not be held

accountable for what is posted on their websites

• Strict policing violates first Amendments Rights

• In the eyes of the law: It’s seen as a communication tool

Findings• Connection between online and offline

problems• Who’s responsible• Every state has bullying laws• Tennessee – includes cyberbullying

Conclusion• Social Networks are seen as communication

channels• Social networks should not enforce more

strict rules but should reevaluate their approach to reporting

• Video Clip – 1:40