Facebook Goes To Far

 

On February 22, 2010, Liz McNeil wrote an article in People Magazine. The article talked about bullying over Facebook at South Hadley High School in Massachusetts. The young girl that was bullied went by the name of Phoebe. Phoebe was new to Massachusetts. Her family was from Ireland. At first Phoebe was adjusting well to her new school until all of the boys started to notice her. Many girls became jealous that Phoebe had the boy’s attention. Once Phoebe started to have an exclusive relationship with a football player that was also seeing another girl, everyone started calling her the “Irish whore”. The taunting only got worse. Phoebe was not only sent horrible messages, photo comments, & wall posts over Facebook she was also verbally bullied in school. Phoebe got to the point where she couldn’t handle it anymore and she soon hung herself.

While I read this article my heart went out to Phoebe and her family. I was never bullied when I was in school so I honestly do not come close to understanding what it feels like. I just don’t understand how people can be so cruel to another person. I have a Facebook, and there has been times that I have read conversations on my news feed of one person degrading another. There has also been an incident where girls are having an argument and wish each other dead. Facebook is really meant for friends and family to stay in contact, or for you to meet new people. It is not meant for bullying or cruel words. Reading this article has really opened my eyes to the effect bullies have on their victims. It has also opened my eyes to the fact that Facebook allows bullying to go on. I am not sure that I am okay with that.

 http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20350702,00.html