Social media connects, informs, and entertains—but beneath its glossy surface lies a darker reality. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and the pursuit of viral fame have led to tragic consequences worldwide.
The Dark Side of Connectivity
While social media fosters instant communication, it also enables relentless cyberbullying, pushing many to their breaking points.
In Australia, 12-year-old Adiel Boyd ended her life on December 29, 2024, after suffering severe online harassment. Her grieving mother warned about social media’s dangers and its impact on mental health.
Similarly, in Taiwan, 24-year-old entertainer Peng Hsin-Yi (Cindy Yang) took her own life in 2015 after enduring continuous online abuse. In South Korea, actor Kim Sae-ron’s suicide in February 2025 reignited concerns about the brutal pressures of online scrutiny.
The Perils of Risky Content Creation
The chase for followers pushes some content creators into dangerous stunts. In Calinog, Iloilo, a content creator took extreme risks for viral fame, raising concerns about the thin line between entertainment and recklessness. This obsession with online validation can have fatal consequences.
Navigating the Digital World Responsibly
Think Before You Post: Avoid oversharing personal details and be mindful of online interactions.
Promote Digital Empathy: Encourage a culture of respect and support to counteract negativity.
Strengthen Cyber Laws: While the Philippines’ Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 penalizes cyberbullying, stricter enforcement and content regulation are needed.
A Call to Action
The internet should be a space for connection, not destruction. It’s time for users, platforms, and governments to take responsibility. We must prioritize mental health, set ethical boundaries, and recognize the power our words and actions hold online.
Let’s ensure that social media remains a tool for good—not a weapon of harm.
