Social media has changed the way people communicate with each other and, in turn, has affected our ability to empathize in both negative and positive ways. One of the most harmful consequences is the increase in cyberbullying, which can be found from a hateful Facebook post from a classmate to anonymous trolling in the comments sections of websites. Some argue that social media is a breeding ground for this type of behavior, while others say it would continue to occur even if the medium were removed. “Cyberbullying” by Thomas J. Billitteri Sees Social Media as a Cause of Bullying and Pushes Adolescents Away Using social media, forty percent said they had been a victim of cyberbullying at least once. Child advocates believe incivility from reality television shows to the political arena is growing to the point that young people have learned that it is acceptable to humiliate other people as a form of entertainment. This attitude is commonly found in social media comment sections and news sites. The article highlights the responsibility that social media sites take in contributing to and preventing cyberbullying. By working with individual states and law enforcement, Myspace has sought to help stop harassment and cyberbullying. Meanwhile, the social media site Juicy Campus was created solely to spread harmful gossip (Billitteri “Cyberbullying”). Sarah Nichol's article “Cyber-Bullying and Trolling” expresses the opinion that social media does not cause bullying. According to Karyn Krawford, online anonymity has little to do with creating bullies since most victims already know their attacker. Furthermore, in real life bullies and victims often play the same role. As the director of Cyborg Australia and an expert in computer psychology, Krawford has a piece of paper that allows him to attend a top university and become a top-notch lawyer. Having the necessary power and education, he uses his wealth to start a political career and becomes a senator, a status he has achieved. For a third example, a girl is born to a drug-addicted mother and placed into the state system. . Her attributed status is that of an adopted daughter. Over time, it is moved in and out of homes and state institutions. She never finds the support and encouragement needed to get an education or give her the self-esteem to achieve more from herself. At eighteen she finds herself alone, with no real resources to find a quality job or a place to live. To make money he starts stealing and reselling items. His achieved status becomes that of a criminal. Works Cited Macionis, John J. Society: The Basics. 12th ed. Boston: Pearson, 2013. Print.