Man is a social animal, and over time, countless devices have been employed to fulfill this need. With the introduction of ICT, we have access to means of communication that would have been considered myths in the past. The entire world has become a global village, where you can reach those on the other side of the globe in a matter of seconds. Not only can we send words, but we can also listen and see each other in real-time. Technology has aided the advancement of communication in our time, but with this new advancement, we have a negative complement: "cyberbullying.".

Because of the abstract nature of online communication, it seems there is no definite way to define cyberbullying. Still, at its core, cyberbullying is the use of technology to abuse, harass, and threaten other users of the technology. In times before the new advancement, there was more humanity to communication, and a contributing factor to this could be the time we had to take in the information before providing a response, a system that has now been substituted with quick-fire texts and replies that happen before the conceptualization of the recipients of our messages, which can lead to the dark turn we find ourselves in, especially in Nigeria.

The gap in life during COVID-19 led to a surge in internet use worldwide, and Nigeria was no exception. Schools and work had to resume outside the normal confinements, and the internet was the only way to go about this while remaining safe from the pandemic. This period caused a surge in users on social media by the Nigerian population, opening our eyes to the lustful allure of mediums like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Still, it wasn't really until recently that Nigerians found themselves to be one of the major bullies on the platform.

One major link found between cyberbullying and traditional bullying is that those who are bullies in the conventional space are more likely to be cyberbullies, and this shouldn't be surprising considering the dormancy we have towards bullying in the country. Power dynamics exist at the core of Nigerian society. Where those who are considered rich and successful are almost seen as untouchable by those around them, allowing for bullying to be ingrained in the very foundation of society, and incorporating this culture into their institution, cultures and families.

When online, the Nigerians who find themselves being called out for their unruly behavior are quickly poised to deflect from the claims of the victim with short, inconsiderate replies, one of which would be to call out the victim for their weakness and their inability to deal with simple "banter.". Another response is one I started to see of late, which is to claim to the victim that the reason why these acts happen in the first place is because they like them, and while some who make these statements might believe what they say, thinking they act in good faith, they need to realize they sound very akin to the traditional bully, who, after mocking, trolling, harassing, and physically assaulting you, would tell you that they only do it because they "like you" or, on the other hand, claim that you're being weak for not being able to take it. One major characteristic of cyberbullying (and any bullying in general) is the impact the bullying act has on the victim. If a victim feels harassed and abused on the internet, where there are clear acts that warrant those feelings, then that user is a victim of cyberbullying, and whether those who do the bullying know it or not, they're cyberbullies.

While we laugh at the remarks we post on the internet, it's easy for us to close our devices and have a good night's rest, but the victims of these incidents do not have the same pleasure. Research shows us that cyberbullying leads to a high level of anxiety, stress, depression, and suicidal ideation. It's easy to text anything when we cannot fully recognize the humanity of those we harm. We do not see the hurt we cause and may never see it, but like you, they are humans, and their being is fragile and largely impacted by those around them. A number of them look to find peace and comfort in the abuse of substances, and it's all because we wanted to laugh. It can be better, and it should be better. Before we pass out any communication, we should think about how the user might take it before we send it.

Thank you❤️❤️