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The Three Types of Cyberbullies
So we just told you not to stereotype. So guess what we're going to do here? Stereotype! We know ... it sounds hypocritical, but the experts say that most cyberbullies can fit into one of these three categories. And by recognizing which category a cyberbully is in, you'll be better able to beat them at their own game. (Actually, even though it’s not on purpose, if the person thinks you are cyberbullying them, you could be a fourth kind of cyberbully, an Inadvertent or Accidental Cyberbully.)
1. Mean Girl CBs (MGCBs): These meanies are trying to hurt you socially, embarrass you, have others avoid, ridicule or exclude you. "Mean Girls" are not always girls, but they are always mean. They usually do it in groups, wanting you to know that others will let them get away with it because they are "cool" and you’re not! (About 80% of the MGCBs are girls though, or girls and boys mixed.) They are usually the more popular kids in school. But the truth is that MGCBs are feeling pretty insecure. They're always afraid that their friends might gang up on them and make them the next victim.
2. Power-Hungry CBs (PHCBs): These cyberbullies are literally bullies. They aim to frighten or intimidate you and your friends or family. They threaten to hack your computer, beat you up or hurt someone you care about, or send you malicious code or make you afraid of the consequences of not doing what they want you to do ... PHCBs do it for the thrill of getting your full attention. They do it to get your “respect” and do it for power. They want to see you sweat. They may not care if they have an audience. Depending on what kind of PHCB they are, they may identify themselves, be anonymous, or masquerade as someone else. (Some Power-Hungry Cyberbullies are the victims of real life bullies, but get their jollies out of using their tech powers to scare others. They are called “Revenge of the Nerds.”)
3. Vengeful Angels CBs (VACBs): These cyberbullies actually think they're the good guys ... they're aiming to make bad behavior stop. Or they want payback for something they see as “wrong.” They could be anonymous or masquerade as someone else. They do it to defend others, not themselves. They want to get you back, but are also sending a message about future behavior. They generally act alone, and always include messaging to let you know why you are being harassed and that you started it or deserved it. They are typically not the victims of offline bullying, but bystanders who want to use their online powers to help when their offline powers are not enough.