Explain why does bullying exist?

Social and cultural factors

Harassment often stems from social pressure to conform to certain norms or a specific model. If someone steps outside the framework – because they are different, in a minority, or even just original – they quickly become an easy target. Prejudices and cultural stereotypes increase the risk of a person being harassed, especially when they belong to a marginalized or poorly integrated group. In certain cultures or social groups, competition, envy, and the need to dominate can also drive individuals to devalue or humiliate someone else. Similarly, the pervasive trivialization or tacit acceptance of verbal or psychological violence makes the phenomenon much more common than one might think.

Psychological origins of bullying

Harassment often has roots in psychological mechanisms where the aggressor seeks to fulfill a need for power, control, or self-affirmation. Many harassers suffer from low self-esteem and use the humiliation of others as a means to assert their superiority and reinforce their own image. In some cases, an inability to manage frustration or anger can trigger repeated and aggressive behaviors towards others. It also happens that a lack of empathy makes it difficult for them to realize the harm they inflict, allowing them to persist without feeling true guilt. A feeling of deep personal insecurity, or the need to compensate for a sense of inferiority sometimes experienced privately, drives some to target individuals deemed weaker or different. Harassment behaviors can finally stem from family patterns or unresolved past traumas on which the person reenacts destructive patterns.

Impact of technology and social media

The internet and social media accelerate and amplify harassment phenomena. Behind their screens, some feel protected by anonymity or virtual distance, and do not hesitate to cross boundaries they would set for themselves in real life. On apps, a rumor, for example, spreads rapidly and leaves little room for the victim to react or defend themselves. Moreover, these shared contents often remain accessible for a long time, prolonging the victims' feelings of suffering and humiliation (permanence effect). This is often referred to as cyberbullying, which is even more difficult to combat because it doesn't stop once you leave school or work: it follows us home, on our phones and computers.

Role of institutions and school or professional environment

In schools or at work, the overall atmosphere greatly depends on the stance that institutions take regarding harassment. When management turns a blind eye or minimizes the problem, it creates a favorable environment for abusive situations. Conversely, clear rules, regular awareness-raising, and swift interventions when a case arises significantly limit problematic behaviors. A school or workplace climate that normalizes hurtful remarks, teasing, or exclusion ultimately contributes to reinforcing the perception that harassing others is almost acceptable. When adults or authorities adopt a passive attitude, it sends a message to both victims and harassers that suffering or aggression is not a serious issue. On the contrary, institutions that implement a genuine proactive policy against these behaviors often succeed in creating respectful environments where everyone feels they belong.

Influences related to popular culture and media

The media and popular culture play a concrete role in normalizing harassment. Some content (films, series, video games, music videos) reinforces harmful concepts, such as a caricatured view of violence or certain forms of aggression. When a popular character mocks or harasses without consequences, it sends the message that these behaviors can be valued or at least tolerated. Social media also amplifies these negative patterns by promoting public mockery. The idealized representation of certain aggressive behaviors can influence young people, especially when they look up to media personalities or influencers often portrayed as “cool” or likable. The social norms disseminated by the media then subtly shape the perception of what it means to be popular, funny, or respected.