In this digital era where everything is connected, online verbal violence is becoming an increasingly disturbing threat. A WHO report revealed that one in six children will be victims of cyberbullying by 2024.

A 2019 UNICEF survey in 30 countries showed that one-third of teenagers had experienced cyberbullying. In fact, one in ten teenagers were involved in physical conflict due to online bullying .

Worse, this phenomenon is not limited to a certain age group. From children to adults, even in professional environments, online verbal violence can occur . Because online verbal violence can be done anonymously, continuously, and spread, so it requires a multidimensional solution.

Under the protection of anonymity

Online verbal violence comes in various forms, ranging from digital bullying, online sexual harassment , to hate speech on social media.

Anonymity is one of the key factors that drives this action. By hiding behind a screen, the perpetrator feels more emboldened and is not burdened by the direct consequences of his words.

This creates an illusion of invulnerability that encourages aggressive behavior. This is also what makes the online gaming and social media ecosystems so vulnerable to digital bullying.

Additionally, the online ‘disinhibition’ effect —the lack of empathy resulting from not meeting face-to-face— also plays a big role.

Anonymity and the ‘disinhibition’ effect online are fueling more trolling . Trolling is online behavior that intentionally provokes or insults others to trigger an emotional reaction.

Trolling can be a dark pastime for some people . They enjoy watching others suffer and getting an emotional reaction from their victims.

Trolling is generally considered wrong because it can hurt others. However, trolling can also be acceptable , for example, when exposing hypocrisy, challenging unwarranted anger, or defending values ​​of truth and goodness . Such trolling is done to point out weaknesses or flaws in the logic or morality behind a person or group’s behavior or views , rather than to attack the person personally.

Why verbal abuse goes viral so quickly

These factors are exacerbated by algorithms, which make content with strong emotional reactions, such as trolling , easy to share and comment on. As a result, the impact and reach of such content is even greater.

Algorithms also create echo chambers . In this process, echo chambers are formed when users only see information that reinforces their own beliefs, isolating dissenting views, and exacerbating polarization and extreme attitudes online.

The complexity of this problem is further increased by the phenomenon of “ mob mentality ” in cyberspace, namely verbal attacks carried out en masse and in an organized manner, thus creating extraordinary psychological pressure for the victims.

For example, the death of a South Korean singer and artist due to severe depression due to digital bullying. In Indonesia, a celebrity committed verbal violence in the digital space against a vocational school student and made the video viral on TikTok. This caused the victim to lose self-confidence and be psychologically affected.

The dangers of verbal violence

It is a misguided and dangerous view to assume that someone must be “mentally strong” in cyberspace. Although it does not leave physical marks, online verbal abuse has an impact that is no less serious than physical abuse. In fact, in some aspects, the impact can be worse and last longer.

Online verbal abuse can happen 24/7 , transcending time and space. Victims can be attacked at any time, even in a supposedly safe place like home. This creates a constant feeling of threat, triggering chronic stress that impacts physical and mental health.

In terms of mental health, victims of online verbal abuse are at risk of depression, anxiety, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. Research shows that teens who experience digital bullying are three times more likely to attempt suicide than those who do not.

Cognitively, constant exposure to online verbal abuse can affect how victims view themselves and the world around them. This can lead to decreased self-esteem, social isolation, and difficulty in building healthy relationships in the future.

Online verbal abuse can also have an impact on physical health . Chronic stress experienced by victims can trigger various health problems such as sleep disorders, headaches, and even a weakened immune system.

Furthermore, the impact of online verbal abuse can extend to professional and academic aspects . Victims may experience decreased productivity, difficulty concentrating, or even decide to resign from work or school to avoid the bully.

A multifaceted solution

Addressing online verbal violence requires a multidimensional approach involving various parties, from individuals to policy makers.

At the individual level, education about internet etiquette and awareness of the impact of our words online is essential. Schools and workplaces need to implement digital literacy programs that focus not only on technical skills, but also on the ethical and empathetic aspects of communicating online , for example by utilizing educational games .

Digital platform providers also have a crucial role to play. They need to develop and implement stricter content moderation policies. They should also provide easily accessible and effective reporting tools for users who experience verbal abuse.

From a legal perspective, Indonesia already has Law Number 11 of 2008 concerning Information and Electronic Transactions (UU ITE), but its implementation is still weak, especially in cases of online verbal violence . The unclear definition of online verbal violence makes digital bullying associated with the crime of defamation . In addition, the complicated reporting process often makes victims reluctant to seek legal assistance.

This shows that Indonesia needs a more specific revision of the law regarding online verbal violence as well as training for law enforcement officers on handling these cases.

Indonesia can learn from Australia’s Basic Online Safety Expectations (BOSE) regulations , which set safety standards for digital platforms, including clear reporting mechanisms, transparency and special protections for children.

This approach can complement the ITE Law through digital literacy programs, and require platforms to develop stricter content moderation policies. Law enforcement needs to be specially trained, and support for victims must be improved. By adopting BOSE principles such as being proactive, transparent, and risk-based, Indonesia can create a safer digital ecosystem.

For victims to recover, access to counseling services and psychological support should be made easier. The formation of support groups for victims of online verbal abuse can also be a positive step, providing a safe space for victims to share experiences and coping strategies — ways or tactics to deal with stressful or stressful situations.

Finally, there needs to be a broader social movement to change norms in cyberspace to create a more positive and empathetic internet culture.

The key to success lies in a holistic approach involving governments, digital platforms, and communities. With this approach, we can create a safer and healthier digital space for all users.

Author Bio: Arif Perdana is Associate Professor in Digital Strategy and Data Science at Monash University