Chapter 1
This is my story.
I was born in a small community far away from recent technology that we have right now but I got an opportunity to study in one of the prestigious universities in America. At first, it was very culture-shocking but I felt amazed and lucky because most of my classmates dreamed of being here to experience modern western culture.
I got new friends. They’ve opened my eyes to everything. They introduced me to such technologies that I’ve seen for the first time in my life. From the latest version of Iphone to new hi-tech censored computers and health smart-watches, to trending mobile applications and up to social networking dating sites - they told me all of this for me to stay connected.
Well, I am new so I need to go with the flow but later on, I am receiving different unlikely messages from unknown people on my social media accounts. I’ve experienced sweet messages at first but later they asked me for some nude photos on messenger. I’ve also seen comments on my Instagram photos criticizing the color of my skin and the way I speak on videos on our class YouTube channel. I recently joined a public huddle on Flashat app in the university and whenever I raised my ideas, they just teased me online. By that time, it was hard to tweet, post, or share thoughts online. I felt fear and discriminated.
They called it cyberbullying. A form of bullying, harassment or discrimination through digital means. I was wondering why they need to do that. I wish I could do something to stop them but social media apps and other technology are just like an open ocean, everyone can go fishing. Would there be anything I could do?
