RE: Steemit - Anti-Bullying Self-Defense
Good advice - I have yet to see a bully on steemit, as I think the platform in general encourages people to be nice and helpful due to the nature of its mechanics, but I don't doubt they exist.
However, I don't always agree that ignoring is the best option. This doesn't work in school even though parents often tell children to do it. Oftentimes ignoring the bully increases the punishment the child receives. Really, in many instances, the only thing that works is hard clocking them. People will often continue to be bullies until they see consequences.
Of course this works a bit differently on social media, where one can more easily block or ignore without fear of physical retribution. Still, if I see someone getting bullied, I usually don't hesitate to step in.
Thank you, @snowmachine, for the upvote and feedback :c)
I have to admit, I've not ever had to go toe-to-toe with a bully (I once came close). However I have witnessed individuals suffering incessant flagging.
Yes it is tempting to step in - but often one finds when looking into these instances that the line is grey and hazy - the victim will usually have already resorted to futile forms of retaliation and threats. Like I said, my methods above only work when a conflict has a clear protagonist and antagonist.
In truth the Steemit platform does not do nearly enough to facilitate the defense of flagged users through peer support. This unfortunately encourages bystanders to hesitate to commit to the defense of the weaker party (especially where one is also a weaker party).I quite agree that ignoring bullying is incorrect from a purely ethical standpoint.
Thank you again for the feedback. :c)
snowmachine, it is great that this issue is being addressed now before steemit becomes popular in the mainstream. Best to educate members now than to let it take over like all the other social media has. I don't recommend violence but self defense is different. I beat up my first bully when I was still in grade school. fortunately adults were watching and laughing as I was punching him for calling me bug eyes. From that moment on, everytime he saw me, he would turn and go the other way..The bully was then being bullied by his peers..true story!!