While social media can bring people together, it can also be a tough place for teenagers who fall victim to cyberbullying as it was for a Malaysian boy from Kuala Lumpur who posted a picture of himself trying to look cool beside an expensive sports car.
The youngster was doing what teens do best: having fun, and it was innocent enough. When he posted it on Instagram, he received lots of admiring comments from social media users who wondered how such a young kid could afford a car like that.
“Random kid with my car, I don’t mind but, look at his comment bruh.”The adorable comment read:
“Always push yourself.”
Marisa didn’t bear ill will toward the boy, yet unexpectedly, her social media post setting the record straight about the car unleashed a storm of negative comments mocking the teen. The initial praise turned into bullying, as he had been found out faking ownership of the car.
As bad as he had been treated online, she noted what would likely happen if older students at his school found out. She asked all those who had criticized him, “Do you ever think of [the consequences] when you leave negative comments to someone? How it affects them?”
“I used to do stupid stuff at that age too. I did so many things I regret & wish I wouldn’t have done, I learned. Sooner or later he’s gonna realize it too & be a much better person, what he needs is time to go through what normal kids his age would. Most importantly I don’t want him to have bitter memories when he’s at that age, especially if it’s cuz of me. I can do so many wrong things, but I can never forgive myself if I did wrong that would affect others.”
“I remember how it felt when people made fun of me back in school, no one was there for me & since I could make a difference for this kid, that’s why I chose to do what’s best for him.”Thankfully, Marisa’s push for empathy had an effect and turned the situation around. After her plea, she received many positive comments from people around Southeast Asia and the world. In parting, she encouraged more people to have a more positive impact:
“I hope when you get the chance to make a difference in someone’s life, you'd grab it too.”