Nearly 289 million people are active users on Twitter. But Vera House intern Elizabeth Scheemaker says she isn’t one of them.
“I've heard of all the twitter fights and just how insane it is.”
The proliferation of social media has caused an increase in digital abuse. The website urban.org says one in four dating teens is harassed or abused through technology. Scheemaker says much of the hatred and abuse stems from what’s receiving public attention.
"It depends a lot on what's in the news, who might be targeted the most at that time. Like when Caitlyn Jenner was all in the news, I think there was a lot of digital abuse toward the transgender community."
Vera House educator Junior Morse says some social media users might feel like they are licensed to give opinions, especially when it pertains to controversial issues. But he says many times comments made are harsh and offensive…based on multiple sources of negativity.
"It's our family backgrounds, it's our religion, it's out community, it's our peers, it's our schools, it's our music, it's the media, so that can be music, commercials, television, advertisements."
Morse says it’s the responsibility of social media users to avoid posting information on platforms that may offend others. Although she doesn’t use Twitter, Scheemaker is on Facebook and says there’s a way to govern yourself when using these networks.
"It's very important to always think, OK, what if I saw this, how would I feel, how would I react to it, would it offend me, would I be upset. Sometimes I think if something might be iffy, which is very rare, I'll ask a friend, hey, what do you think about this post, is this OK."
Morse says before implementing anti-harassment laws to deal with digital abuse after it has begun, more emphasis should be placed on teaching social tolerance.
"Everyone has the license to give their own opinions, but it's also having respect of other people's opinions. When we go into schools, we always say some of the stuff we're going to say is going to go against your beliefs, your opinions. If you want to challenge that, we accept that challenge, but make sure you're on a respectful level."
Anyone who believes they’re a victim of digital, physical, or sexual abuse can call Vera House’s hotline at 468-3260.
