By Payton Evans

Most teens have heard of the newest trend in social media, Ask FM. This new site, allowing anonymous comments and social interaction among users, enables a new form of cyberbullying. Recently, attention has turned to the negativity that is flooding the website.

“I think this is definitely a promoter of cyberbullying because there are more negative comments on Ask FM than positive, from what I’ve seen,” Gabi Wadsworth ’16 said. “If the negative things could go away, or even be decreased, it would be a better site.”

Gunnar Marchael ‘15 has similar views.

“I think it could be a problem. Basically, Ask FM looks like it’s just a new way to pick on people.”

Originally Ask FM was created for the same purposes as every social networking site- to get to know other people. Once a profile is created, anybody can send that person questions or comments, which are then posted to their public page. As the website has gained popularity, cyberbullying has become a major concern. Questions and comments aren’t censored, so teenagers can use the anonymous button as a way around the consequences that come with bullying and harassment.

“There’s going to be some negative comments everywhere because there’s an anonymous button,” Courtney Streb ‘15 said. “You just have to be cautious of that and be prepared.”

Some teens do not take negative, anonymous comments so lightly. According to a recent Fox News article, Ask FM has been cited in connection with five suicides worldwide.

“Cyberbullying is a growing problem, especially with all of these new means of technology, such as this website, that make bullying so much easier and more accessible.” Emily Dvorak, Assistant Principal said.

However, comments pertaining to bullying and harassment aren’t the only content seen on Ask FM. Some support networks have been created for those receiving heavy bullying, and positive comments and compliments are enough to boost anyone’s confidence.

“I think it (Ask FM) can be a good thing,” Maddie Fuhrmeister ‘16 said. “Some people are too shy to say things like ‘You’re so pretty’ or ‘I wish we were friends’ in person, so they use this site as a way to let you know. Everyone appreciates hearing something like that.”

Wadsworth ‘16 agrees. “Whenever I get a positive question on Ask FM, it makes my day, even if it’s under anonymous.”

According to an interview with the Huffington Post, Ask FM also encourages users and their parents to report any incidences of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying will never disappear completely, but websites such as Ask FM aren’t entirely to blame. The use of technology requires responsibility.

“A lot of kids don’t think before they type,” Dvorak said, “They don’t realize that once you put something on the internet, it’s out there forever.”

SOURCES
#1: Latvia AskFM to Mature after Teen-Suicide – Fox News
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/08/23/latvia-askfm-to-mature-after-teen-suicide-uproar/#ixzz2eauZmGvT

#2: Hannah Smith Suicide Story – Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/07/hannah-smith-suicide-cyberbullying_n_3714687.html