In the age of social media, “intellectual” bullying has taken on a new dimension—one that, in my view, is quite concerning—creating a toxic climate that stifles healthy discussions and suppresses diverse opinions.
On social media, anonymity, virtual interactions, and the absence of ethical communication norms have created the perfect environment where intellectual bullying runs unchecked.
Not a day goes by without me noticing the venom of “friends” through sarcastic posts and comments.
How frustrated must a person be to practice bullying as a hobby?
What satisfaction can possibly come from attacking ideas and individuals simply because they think differently?
In this environment, I observe two harmful tendencies: polarization and tribalism. Polarization occurs when individuals belong to specific ideological groups and seek to “destroy” anyone who does not share their philosophy.
As a result, this phenomenon further fragments society and fuels online toxicity.
On the other hand, tribalism, driven by the reinforcement of a particular idea or belief, dismisses any opposing argument—often in a deeply degrading manner.
Those subjected to intellectual bullying inevitably feel ashamed or devalued and, as a result, will avoid public discussions in the future. This leads to collective silence and the suppression of intellectual diversity.
And so, gradually, our digital jungle will be dominated by the strongest—the perpetual bullies—who see it as their duty to crush any differing opinion, regardless of its merit, claiming the status of all-knowing, all-powerful gatekeepers.