Online Disinhibition Effect: This term was created by a psychologist known as John Suler, who explained why people feel comfortable doing and saying things in Internet Communication that they would not do in face-to-face communication. The reason behind it is dissociative anonymity (I don’t know who you are) and invisibility (I can’t see who you are). 

 From Pranking to Targeted Harassment: Trolling in the early days of the Internet was characterized by silly or fun acts performed by Internet users. Trolling has evolved into cyber bullying with several distinct features. 

Evidence of the Situation Today Presence in Youth Population: More than 40% of adult Internet users are reported to have become victims of online harassment, with youth representatives aged 18-29 being subjected to the most severe forms of harassment (stalking, threat to harm).  

Algorithmic Amplification: Algorithms used by social media nowadays prefer the content that gets a lot of engagement. Controversies cause a lot of tension. 

 Pseudonymity Trap: Even though there are platforms, which require users to use their real names, the lack of face-to-face interaction diminishes the capacity of individuals to empathize their interlocutors. So it is easy to dehumanize one another.  

Consequences and Reason for Concerns Psychological Effects: The consequences of cyberbullying and continuous trolling include increased levels of anxiety, depression, social isolation, and suicidal thoughts, especially among young people and college students.  

Restraining Letters: Anonymity is often said to be an important aspect of free speech, but harassment prevents those who belong to marginalized groups from taking part in online conversations and causes them to quit the Internet for their safety and mental health purposes.  

Steps to be Taken in Order to Solve the Problem Accountability of Companies: Companies should be obliged to have more severe policies against harassment, improve AI moderation to detect hostility in conversations, and introduce reporting tools. 

Digital Literacy Education: Teaching local schools to provide digital citizenship lessons and develop empathy among people who communicate online (please, refer to Hillsborough or Pinellas counties).  

Security Measures on Personal Level: People need to use strong privacy settings, do not share any personal information online, and use active bystanders to prevent online harassment.