If there’s one thing I hate more than spam it’s internet trolls and being harassed online. I’m not alone, that’s why today has been declared Stop Cyberbullying Day. More and more women bloggers are becoming targets of online hate speech ranging from name calling to threats of violence such as rape and and even killing. Probably more underreported, mostly because as whole we are ignored, is attacks on women of color bloggers. This is just one of the reasons why VivirLatino now has a comment policy. Esta bien if you want to disagree with a point (hell, many readers disagree with me often) but start using offensive language and you’ll be warned. Do it again and you’re out of here.

So why do people become cyberstalkers, bullies and basically cyberassholes? Sometimes the stalking and harassing is an extension of some real life beef. Other times its your online persona and politics that get them riled up. Regardless the main motivation is attention.

This is our virtual world — we created it. The most powerful thing we can do when we encounter a person who is abusive online is to refuse to acknowledge them. Deprived of the spotlight, their own hateful little lights will blink out.
Buh-bye!
Don’t link them, don’t talk about them, don’t read them. As far as we’re concerned, they don’t exist. And amongst ourselves, I think it’s time to bring the issue out of the closet, demystify it, circle our wagons and learn to roll our eyes about it together, even laugh at it. Who cares?

Of course if the threats are more serious than name calling and if you feel you are in danger, contact the authorities and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t post your personal info on the net. For more on dealing with net nasties check out Lifehacker.

Via / BlogHer