Caution: Blogs May Be Hazardous to Your Health

Wow, who knew we were engaged in such a weighty and potentially perilous venture here? I came across the following on my university's Counseling and Wellness Center web site. Apparently we bloggers have the potential to do grievous harm...

If you or someone you know has been the victim of anonymous online blogging…

What effects can hostile blogging have on someone?
Though it may seem harmless to the poster, the person on the receiving end can feel publicly humiliated and helpless to address it. The unfairness and anonymity of the attacks can cause a sense of being victimized and lead to apprehension and avoidance of social situations and/or classes. We all want to feel safe in public and this includes feeling safe from attacks on our character.

The stress of these attacks may exacerbate other normal stresses and cause the person to feel very anxious or depressed, violated, or irritable. Sometimes the attacks result from conflict or perceived rejection in relationships and the intent of the poster is to harm, though the effects can be more severe than anticipated. This then is a form of relationship violence. No wonder the target of the post has a strong reaction.

What are some ways to cope with hostile blogging?

• Find supportive friends and let them know how you feel so they can support you and reassure you about your value and importance to them. Don’t allow yourself to get socially isolated.
• Maintain routines that make you feel good about yourself and give you a sense of order or control in your life.
• Remind yourself consciously of all your positive qualities. Although the feelings of humiliation can be quite strong, remember that the attacks are unfair, gross distortions and often motivated by feelings of inadequacy or plain insensitivity on the part of the poster. Keep it in perspective.
• Know the impact of the post will subside, and readers will move on to the next piece of gossip. There are also a large number of readers who regard the attacks as ridiculous and immature.
• Resist temptation to retaliate against the post by responding or posting about the person you think did it. This backfires as it draws more negative attention to the issue.
• Avoid reading the posting again, as this will keep the feelings raw and intense.

What supports are available on campus?

• Consider speaking with a Counseling and Wellness therapist. This is a confidential and private visit than can validate how you feel and help you explore how to cope with this.
• Contact the Dean of Students’ Office. They’re very concerned about anonymous blogging and can provide additional support.

Feel free to contact Student Legal Services to learn more about your legal rights in this situation.

"Hostile blogging." It's (apparently) a serious problem, people! Let's all be careful not to let our insensitivities or feelings of inadequacy cause us to use our words in ways that might make others feel violated, humiliated, or socially isolated. (Not that any of us are inadequate, of course; we're all special, important people with many good qualities!) After all, we all want to feel safe on the internets, right? And if any of you are feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable, you can always come to me for support! Group hug!