Sometimes I wish that the Internet didn’t exist. This sounds bizarre, but look at the effects of the Internet on our society.

According to the Cyberbullying Reseach Center, one in five youths between the age of 10 and 18 has been a victim of cyberbullying or has been a cyberbully. This is both shocking and a disappointing reflection how technology can be misused.

Cyberbullying, like its predecessor playground bullying, is frightening to the person on the receiving end. I was frightened when I became the target of a cyber attack. Victims often experience extreme depression, and some victims have committed suicide.

Tyler Clementi, a gay teenager at Rutgers University, is the latest victim of cyberbullying. The incident occured when Clementi’s roommate and another college classmate secretly filmed and streamed online a sexual encounter he had with another man. This led Clementi into such a deep depression that he committed suicide by jumping off the George Washington Bridge.

Even if the victim does not commit suicide, the memories and the emotions that come with being cyberbullied stay with the victim.

The memories often influence and interrupt the victim’s every day activities and peace of mind. This is sad, for no one should be kept from happiness.

Evidently, there needs to be change. No one should be treated as cruelly as Tyler Clementi was, no one should have to be afraid to go to school and no one should feel worthless from personal attacks on the Internet.

I cannot understand how some people can be so wicked, spiteful and inhumane. Perhaps they lack empathy and cannot comprehend how immensely they are hurting others. In light of this, we need to focus on helping the victims of cyberbullying and luckily there are many ways we can do that.

Tell the victim that you are there for them and encourage them to stay strong. Emphasize that no matter what their cyberbully is saying, that they are truly an amazing, unique and special person.

Gather up the messages the victim received from the cyberbully and take them to your local police station. Additionally, encourage your friend to see a counselor for they may need some extra help along the way. Remember, despite all of the bad things that exist, such as cyberbullying, the world really is a beautiful place.

There are many kind, loving people out there pushing for change and perhaps one day cyberbullying will just be a thing of the past.