I have recently become a victim of cyberbullying.  Someone posted fake, malicious things about me online. 

A number of people, some of whom I am acquainted with and many of whom I do not know at all, have commented on it. 

This is not my first rodeo. 

I have been online long enough to have experienced cyberbullying first-hand, especially from the same individual who is now spreading hateful narratives about me. 

Having gone through this before helps because I know how it unfolds. 

When it is first brought to your attention, you are shocked, angry and/or disappointed – not just at the person spreading these lies, but also at the people who jump on the bandwagon without a second thought. 

It is disappointing to see how quickly some people comment on negative and toxic posts without bothering to verify if what is being said is true, especially in this climate of misinformation. 

I often wonder, what motivates someone to lash out at someone they do not even know, especially when they do not know the facts, when the source is not trustworthy, or when they have heard only one side of the story. 

It is disheartening to see people jump to conclusions without taking a moment to consider the impact of their words.  Something that always amazes me is how people who claim to fight injustice can turn into bullies themselves.  When individuals who profess to stand against injustice become bullies, it is contradictory 
and deeply troubling, Instead of promoting change, they perpetuate the cycle of harm. 

Does whomever you are fighting for warrant that kind of behaviour? 

Do we only accept bullying when it is directed at someone we do not care about? If so, it raises a troubling question about our values, and the true nature of our advocacy. 

Even if the accusations were true, does calling someone names really encourage that person to change? Bullying someone into behaving better, how does that work? 

Even if you did not say anything toxic in the comments, the mere fact that you read, decided to comment and didn’t speak out against the bullying behaviour says a lot. 

You could have read the post and gone about your day – but instead, you chose to bring more attention to someone’s bullying antics without addressing the hurtful behaviour being directed at another person. 

I know some people get a thrill from seeing others bullied publicly. 

There is a strange sense of satisfaction for them in watching the chaos unfold, as if it somehow elevates their own status, or validates their feelings of power. 

But this kind of behaviour reveals a deeper insecurity – a need to feel superior at the expense of someone else.  It is a reminder that true strength lies in compassion – not cruelty. 

I am not saying do not speak up for what you believe in. 

However, make your point without resorting to name-calling, bashing anyone, or creating false narratives for clout.  Martin Luther King Jr. showed us how to fight injustice with dignity. 

He believed we can stand up for what is right without resorting to hate or insults. His example reminds us that we can make our points clearly and powerfully without trying to tear others down.  This is a reminder that true strength lies in compassion – not cruelty. 

*Paula Christoph’s column concentrates on positive and inspirational write-ups.