"In the decade since Apple introduced group chat capabilities to iPhone users, the group chat has become an intricate social tool that is able to cement or decimate friendships and plummet or improve social standing," writes Fortesa Latifi for The Washington Post. "Nowhere are these possibilities more present than the group chats of teenagers."
"Unfortunately, it is often easier for bullying to occur in a group setting where people can metaphorically 'hide' behind others or receive validation and encouragement that might embolden them to behave in ways that they might not otherwise behave in when on their own," she says.
"Bullying or inappropriate or unkind behaviors in group chats might consist of microaggressions such as saying things in a 'joking' manner that are rude, unkind, or hurtful, as well as posting derogatory or inflammatory memes, photos, and other content. Bullying can also be more outright or overt: Sharing embarrassing photos or screenshots to a group, sharing something without consent, or targeting one person in a group with excessive criticism or hateful comments," Amodio explains.
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