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Abstract
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Three days after delivering food to her father, she jumped to her death. It started when a storm of public opinion erupted after she gave the delivery man $30.76 for his kindness. This real case occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai in April 2022. The girl, who had a happy family and was physically and mentally healthy, shared her heartwarming story on her Micro-blog, thanking the delivery man for his selfless act. However, this "small" incident cost her life.
Previous studies have shown a significantly rise in suicide rates during the COVID-19 pandemic (1, 2). In addition, current research indicates that cyber violence is closely associated with a higher risk of suicidal behavior (3, 4). Under the double pressure of epidemic and cyber violence, such tragic events are by no means negligible. Relevant departments should step up network security monitoring, timely block the injury of cyber violence to the victims, and provide psychological intervention for the victims of cyber violence, in order to prevent the occurrence of suicide.
Cyber violence is toxic to society. It refers to the illegal and criminal behavior by which individuals or groups intentionally spread illegal information through the Internet to repeatedly and continuously infringe on specific individuals or groups, which will lower the social evaluation of the attacked individuals, infringe on the right of personality and information, and even threaten the rights of person and property (5). The perpetrators of cyber violence have a degree of anonymity that traditional bullying does not, and the potential exposure and embarrassment for victims is greater. Day or night, in their own homes or anywhere else, harm can be done to victims, and the information accumulates even when they leave the Internet. Victims of cyber violence often have mental health problems, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, and self-harm, up to suicide (6). Previous study revealed that the prevalence of cyber violence ranged up from 6 to 35% before the epidemic (7). However, cyber violence has increased significantly during the pandemic...
Language: en |