Trolling one’s own self (yes, it's a real thing)

While cyberbullying is perpetuated by others, digital self-harm is actually initiated by a person against their own self. — Freepik

With World Mental Health Day being marked last Tuesday (Oct 10, 2023), it is a good time to take a moment to delve into the intricate realms of our digital lives and how it influences our overall mental health and well-being.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the fusion of technology and human psychology has become even more pronounced.

The pandemic compelled individuals to rely heavily on digital platforms for work, education, socialisation and entertainment, often blurring the boundaries between the physical and virtual worlds.

Post-pandemic, we are still very much in need of technology as a driver of our daily lives.

Therefore, we must understand how individuals interact with digital technology, the internet and virtual environments, and how these interactions impact their behaviour, emotions and mental well-being.

Indeed, this is a central focus of the emerging field of cyberpsychology.

Additionally, we must recognise how technological solutions have the potential to alleviate certain mental health burdens – another important aspect of this field.

The evolution of cyberbullying

In an era dominated by the digital landscape, where social media platforms, online interactions and virtual identities play an ever-increasing role in our lives, we need to confront one mental health phenomenon in particular: digital self-harm.

This phenomenon, which has gained prominence in recent years, is often hidden beneath the surface of our online behaviours.

Cyberbullying, particularly among youths in Malaysia, is already a pressing mental health and digital issue.

A United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) report highlighted that Malaysia ranked second in Asia for cyberbullying among youths in 2020.

The Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reported that 70% of 14,000 school students had experienced online bullying, including the sharing of inappropriate content and name- calling.

Tragic cases, such as a 16-year-old girl’s suicide after an Instagram poll vote and a TikTok influencer’s suicide due to cyberbullying, underscore the gravity of the situation.

Current data suggests that more than half of teenagers in Malaysia engage in cyberbullying, while two-thirds have experienced it.

As can be seen from the statistics, a sizable portion of cyberbullies were also victims of cyberbullying themselves, suggesting a self-perpetuating cycle.

And we are becoming vulnerable to it at increasingly younger ages, with exposure to digital devices from childhood resulting in young ones spending much of their time online, facing heightened social and developmental risks.

While cyberbullying is not a new phenomenon, the rapid advancement of technology and our increasing immersion into the digital realm appears to have triggered its evolution into the phenomenon known as digital self-harm.

When you bully yourself

Also known as self-cyberbullying or self-trolling, digital self-harm refers to a troubling online behaviour in which individuals engage in hurtful, negative or abusive actions directed toward themselves while using digital platforms or social media.

This can take various forms, such as creating anonymous accounts to send hurtful messages or posting harmful content about oneself online.

Digital self-harm is a perplexing phenomenon because it involves individuals inflicting harm on themselves in the virtual realm, often using pseudonyms or alternate identities.

The motivations behind digital self-harm can vary.

Some individuals may do it to seek attention or sympathy from others, while others may use it to test the loyalty of friends and family.

It can also be an expression of internal emotional turmoil, including a cry for help, or underlying mental health issues such as depression and low self-esteem.

It’s an alarming trend because this act involves individuals intentionally engaging in self-destructive or self-deprecating behaviours online, which can have negative psychological, emotional and social consequences.

Search for solutions

While the rise of cyberbullying and digital self-harm among youths in Malaysia and around the world is undeniably concerning, awareness and understanding of these issues are the first steps towards positive change.

It is essential to recognise that the consequences of digital self-harm are not isolated incidents, but part of a broader spectrum of mental health issues that have emerged or intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The stressors of lockdowns, social isolation and uncertainty have amplified the vulnerability of young individuals, which could lead to them engaging in self-destructive behaviours online.

It is indicative of the complex interplay between the digital realm and human psychology.

We can better navigate the challenges of the digital age and promote the mental well-being of individuals, particularly the youth, by recognising this evolution, conducting further research, and integrating cyberpsychology education into mental health initiatives.

We must continue to explore ways to promote responsible technology use, prioritise mental health and adapt to the changing dynamics of the digital age.

The tragic stories of individuals impacted by cyberbullying underscore the urgent need for collective action.

Governments, organisations and communities are increasingly prioritising cybersafety and mental health support for young people.

Initiatives focused on educating youths about responsible online behaviour, fostering empathy and building resilience are gaining momentum.

Research on digital self-harm and its motivations offers valuable insights into the psychological complexities involved.

Recognising that the need for approval, belonging and support drives many young individuals to engage in digital self-harm creates opportunities for intervention and counselling initiatives.

Mental health professionals can assist youths in developing healthier coping mechanisms and self-esteem, empowering them to navigate the digital world with greater confidence and resilience.

The National Mental Health Strategic Plan 2020-2025, guided by the Health Ministry’s Non-Communicable Diseases section, has taken on renewed significance in the post-pandemic era.

This plan recognises the imperative need to incorporate cyberpsychology education into mental health initiatives.

As our reliance on digital technologies continues to grow, the strategic plan should adapt to address the evolving challenges posed by digital self-harm, cyberbullying and the broader mental health implications of our increasingly digital lives.

It is important to remember that technology itself is not inherently harmful; it is how we use it and the values we instil in the next generation that truly matter.

Let this World Mental Health Day be a gentle reminder to reset our outlook by fostering a culture of empathy, kindness and responsible digital citizenship.

Vinorra Shaker is a psychologist and Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) School of Psychology associate head. For more information, email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.