Professionals speak about the term “Keyboard warriors” and emphasize the risk of cyberbullying and the need for media etiquette.
By: Staff Reports
The phrase “keyboard warriors” has become a popular way to describe people who post aggressive or critical comments online but would likely stay quiet in person.
The term first gained attention in the early days of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, where users could share opinions instantly with large audiences.
A keyboard warrior is often someone who argues, insults others, or starts conflicts from behind a screen, using the safety of distance and anonymity.
For a professional, the term may mean something more to her.
They say, “When someone is behind a screen, they often feel more anonymous and protected. That distance can make it easier for them to say things they probably wouldn’t say face-to-face.”
The rise of keyboard warriors is connected to how social media works. Online, people can hide behind usernames and profile pictures. This can make them feel more confident or less responsible for what they say. Without face-to-face reactions, it is easier to type harsh words that might never be spoken out loud.
The term is often used in a negative way. It suggests that the person is acting brave online but would not behave the same way in real life.
However, some argue that speaking up online is not always a bad thing. Social media has also allowed people to call out injustice, organize movements, and share important information.
Still, online arguments can quickly turn into bullying. Schools and communities have reported problems with cyberbullying, where hurtful comments spread fast and are difficult to erase.
According to a professional, “it’s when someone uses technology such as social media, messaging, or online platforms to intentionally harm, embarrass, threaten, or repeatedly target another person.”
As social media continues to grow, the idea of the keyboard warrior remains relevant. The phrase reflects a bigger conversation about responsibility, respect, and how people choose to use their voices in the digital world.
This does not mean ignoring harm, it does not mean silencing those who feel hurt, nor does it mean silencing those who hurt us. A healthy community makes space for all voices. At the same time, growth requires more than outrage; it requires conversation, listening, and a willingness to learn beyond our beliefs and opinions.
Clothing, words, and symbols can carry meaning beyond what someone may intend. That reality challenges us to think carefully about the impact of our choices, not only on ourselves but especially on others.
Redwood is more than a moment. Moving forward, we have the opportunity to move towards something better: empathy over escalation, dialogue over derision, love over hate.
Media Etiquette
As explained by Sproutsocial.com, social media etiquette refers to guidelines that companies and individuals use to preserve their online reputation.
Pictures can spread across the internet in an instant. Whether it was meant to spread awareness or not, thoughtful actions matter. Being mindful of what acts are done can represent communities.
One action does not define an entire community. Our community consists of a variety of perspectives and values that cannot be accurately represented by select incidents.
Staff says, “There’s a thing called digital footprint, and what you post online can be seen or used basically against you. A lot of the time, people don’t really think before they post. If it’s something that you wouldn’t tell a crowd of people in real life because you’re uncomfortable, you probably shouldn’t post it. It’s not a good idea. I know that a lot of employers have gone back and Googled names and things that pop up, whether that be on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or things like that. It’s popped up, and they’re able to see what you post, and that can definitely hurt you in the future with either getting a job or keeping a job, even if you’re employed with somebody. It’s public information. They can just research it and see what you posted, and they can kind of use it to either terminate your position or not hire you.”
According to the Society of Professional Journalist’s Code of Ethics, under minimizing harm, weighing the impact of how information is presented can carry consequences.
“Don’t post things you wouldn’t say out loud in person. That’s what I would kind of reiterate. You don’t want that to be used against you. Also commenting on things. Being kind and courteous, like you don’t [argue], don’t get into arguments with people on social media. You wouldn’t do that in real life, you know, or say things that are just inappropriate. I think that those are 2 things that I would highly, you know, look at.”
Ethical reporting requires not only telling the truth, but also the consideration of how it is told. Words can shape perception and dialogue, including how information can be interpreted and shared outside of its original meaning.
Staff says it is important to speak up with the truth “because if you don’t speak up, then the same behaviors will [keep] happening. And a lot of the time, people are afraid to say something. But if you’re that one person who has the courage to stop [and speak up], other people might feel the same way and support you. But we definitely want to just break a circle. And it’s important to show courage to do so. And I know that some people are scared, but I think that a lot of people feel the same way, and when they see someone have the courage to stand up, then I think they will have some followers behind them doing the same thing.”
As student journalists, we constantly weigh transparency and accountability with minimizing harm and having respect and kindness.
Staff Reports
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