Ever wondered why we type things online that we’d never dream of saying to someone in person? Imagine sitting in a café and witnessing someone bully a woman about her weight. Or perhaps overhearing someone tell a same-sex couple to end their lives. What if you saw a Muslim woman being labeled a terrorist? Would you intervene?
A thought-provoking public service announcement (PSA) released for Bullying Prevention Month poses these uncomfortable questions, highlighting the stark contrast between how we behave online versus in the real world. Titled “In Real Life: An Offline Experiment,” the video features actors portraying bullies and their victims. They use actual derogatory comments that have surfaced on social media, such as “I seriously hate fat people,” “Being gay is a sickness,” and “All Muslims are terrorists.” In these scenarios, bystanders step in to defend those being harassed. But online? The outcome often looks entirely different.
This eye-opening PSA was brought to life by the efforts of Lisa Thompson, collaborating with the creative minds at BBDO New York. The goal? To provoke thought about our drastically different behaviors in online spaces compared to face-to-face interactions. Thompson shared with a leading magazine that the video illustrates how people, emboldened by anonymity, can write hurtful things they’d never utter in person. “It’s a jarring reflection that should make us reconsider our online conduct,” she explained.
Thompson also emphasizes the positive impact of standing up against bullying. “The individuals in the video who reacted were not performers; they were regular people. Their spontaneous responses were genuine and encouraging. It was heartwarming to see New Yorkers rallying for the targets without resorting to bullying the bullies,” she said.
What makes this video resonate so deeply is its relatability. In today’s world, who hasn’t faced unkind comments online? I recall when I was in college, eager to share my first published article with my local community. I was thrilled when it got printed, only to later find a comment stating, “Awful article. Do better.” I had already broken the cardinal rule of journalism: Avoid reading the comments! But even knowing they’re often filled with negativity, I still peeked. Some comments were downright nasty. One person suggested I pursue a career in kitten kicking, while another posed the question of why anyone would pay for my work. In real life, people complimented me, but online? They unleashed venomous words that I’d never heard face-to-face.
It’s astonishing how a screen can strip away our humanity. Behind a keyboard, we say things we’d never dare to say in a personal encounter. Videos like “In Real Life” challenge us to reflect on why we tolerate such behavior online and perhaps inspire a future where the internet becomes less of a refuge for bullies.
If you’re looking for more insights on home insemination, check out this helpful resource at Make a Mom. Also, CCRM IVF provides excellent articles on pregnancy and related topics.
In summary, the PSA powerfully illustrates the disconnect between online and offline behavior regarding bullying. By encouraging individuals to rethink their actions, it aims to reduce the prevalence of harmful comments in digital spaces, fostering a more compassionate online community.