I've spent countless hours in schools and community centres, educating young minds about the complexities of the digital world. While discussing topics like cyberbullying, online grooming, and digital footprint, a recurring question echoes through the room: "Isn't it normal?" This simple phrase, uttered with a mix of confusion and defiance, has become a chilling anthem for a generation grappling with the blurring lines between acceptable and unacceptable online behaviour.

We've entered an era where once unthinkable actions are becoming disturbingly commonplace. Sharing explicit images, engaging in toxic online battles, and consuming explicit content are often dismissed as "normal" aspects of digital life. This normalisation of the harmful is a silent epidemic, eroding the very fabric of our society. It's a battle for the soul of our digital world, a fight to reclaim our humanity in a space increasingly dominated by callousness and indifference.

The illusion of normality

The digital age has constructed a warped reality where harmful behaviours masquerade as everyday occurrences. What was once considered shocking or unacceptable is now casually brushed aside as "just the way things are." The relentless pursuit of likes, shares, and followers has created an environment where validation often trumps morality.

Take, for instance, the alarming trend of sharing explicit images. Once a deeply private act, it's now normalised to such an extent that young people often see it as a rite of passage or a means of social currency. The pressure to conform, coupled with a distorted sense of intimacy fostered by online platforms, has led to a dangerous escalation of this behaviour.

Similarly, the world of online gaming has become a breeding ground for aggression and toxicity. What starts as playful banter often descends into a barrage of insults, threats, and even doxxing. This hostile environment is accepted as a normal part of the gaming experience, desensitising players to the impact of their words on others.

And let's not forget the constant bombardment of explicit and violent content. From graphic video games to disturbing social media posts, young minds are inundated with images and messages that can warp their understanding of the world. When exposure to such content becomes normalised, it can lead to a disturbing detachment from reality and a diminished capacity for empathy.

The erosion of empathy

As these harmful behaviours become normalised, a chilling consequence emerges: the erosion of empathy. Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is the cornerstone of a compassionate and harmonious society. When we desensitise ourselves to the suffering of others through constant exposure to cruelty and aggression, our capacity for empathy dwindles.

The digital world, designed to connect us, ironically fosters isolation. As we retreat into our virtual cocoons, we disconnect from the real-world consequences of our online actions. The anonymity afforded by the internet can create a false sense of invulnerability, allowing us to behave in ways we would never consider in face-to-face interactions.

When we unlearn empathy, we pave the way for a society characterised by indifference, bullying, and even violence. The ripple effects of this decline are far-reaching, impacting everything from our relationships to our communities. It may seem far-fetched, but it will only be a matter of time when compassion could be perceived as a relic of the past. If we continue down this path, we risk creating a world where empathy is a distant memory.

Reclaiming our humanity

It's time to break the silence and challenge the status quo. We must reclaim our digital landscape from the clutches of normalisation and rebuild it on a foundation of empathy and respect. This starts with each of us.

We need to become critical consumers of digital content, questioning the messages we receive and the impact they have on our worldview. Let's encourage open and honest conversations about online behaviour, breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and seeking help when needed.

Parents, educators, and policymakers have a crucial role to play in fostering a healthier digital environment. By equipping young people with the tools to navigate the online world responsibly and by creating supportive communities, we can empower the next generation to be agents of change.

Ultimately, the fight against normalisation is a collective effort.

It requires us to come together as a society and redefine what it means to be connected in the digital age. By working together, we can create a future where empathy thrives, and where technology serves as a force for good rather than division.

The normalisation of harmful online behaviours is a crisis that demands our urgent attention. By ignoring this issue, we risk creating a society devoid of compassion and empathy. But we have the power to change the narrative. Let's unite in our determination to break the cycle of normalisation and build a digital world where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.

It's time to break the norm. Let's reclaim our humanity, one click at a time.

This article was originally published on the BeSmartOnline! Blog and it is here repurposed with the permission of the Maltese Safer Internet Centre.

Find more information about the work of the Maltese Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.