We're living in the digital era where enormous bunch of fibre optic cables under the sea have become our main communication medium, also known as the internet.
With all the benefits and the funs that come with it, undoubtedly there are downsides; feelings are hurt, time is wasted and it has also become a procrastination spot.
When you are given chances to talk indirectly, not face to face, you are more likely to say something that might hurt others, you feel more brave and therefore you just let it out.
I'm here to say that you did nothing wrong if the internet helps you to find your voice and to help you express your concern and make you brave enough to stand up for what you believe. I believe what emma thompson said is true: the only thing that can change anything of any importance is the mass movement of people and on the net, that mass movement of people is happening all the time. Your voice can actually make a big difference.
but If you use it for the sole purpose to hurt others without a strong reason than you are at fault. feelings can actually be hurt and it can lead to something worse.
Not defending myself, I know I've done this.
and I am not just talking about cyber bullying when what you did is obvious. I am talking about harsh words you use in a chatroom between you and your friend or in a group, willfully ignoring friend in a group, a harsh subtweet you indirectly indicate to your friend, people might not know who you talked about, but your friend does.
and of course as a normal teenager on the net, I've went through this and I got hurt and I've hurt others. I stressed out, got depressed and learn to not care. The latter is the most important; i learn to not care.
and people might think that is a good thing but it comes with consequences. When I don't care, I tend to disconnect myself with those who hurt me to secure my feelings. and as much as I try to not let my 'hurt-ness' be visible, I tend to distance myself more- and I find pleasure doing so.
but the catch is I distance myself when I am really hurt, and sometimes the only thing that can trigger this is when I keep my feeling and collection of others wrong for too long to a point when such a little thing make me burst out before I start holding everything again.
