Websites that allow users to post anonymously, such as Ask.fm, have come under intense scrutiny in recent months.
The media coverage surrounding such websites really took off after 14-year-old Hannah Smith from Leicestershire hanged herself after she was abused anonymously on the Ask.fm website.
Although it’s clear that she was abused by bullies through the site, Ask.fm’s owners subsequently reported that a lot of the abuse was sent from the IP address of the computer Hannah had used.
Whatever really did happen, it was a tragic episode that certainly highlighted the problem of online bullying and the ways in which technology can enable people to abuse others anonymously.
A recent case over in the US has taken the debate a step further, highlighting the use of websites that can be used to anonymously send abusive texts to people’s phones.
Shea Shawhan is a beautiful, bubbly and, by all accounts, popular 18-year-old girl. At Plano West Senior High School in Texas she plays softball and is a member of the cheer squad.
A complication at birth, during which oxygen supply to her brain was temporarily blocked, means she has special needs and the mental age of an eight-year-old. She is also the victim of a bully or bullies who have been sending her abusive texts from bogus phone numbers generated by web applications that make it difficult for the senders to be identified.
The abuse began eight months ago and has been as relentless as it has been disgusting.
One text read: "Why are u still here. Clearly no one wants you. U only have special needs friends. And ur ugly and have a horrible fashion sense. Honestly ur clothes suck."
When the sender suspected Shea’s mum, Keri, was reading the messages, a text was sent reading: "Shea should just have one of her f***ing seizures and die because people at west don’t want her. That’s the reason she has seizures, because that’s karma for giving birth to a freaky slut.’
Disturbingly, one even stated: "Shea is so annoying but cute I want to do more than just kiss her I want to rape her then kill her. That will finally make sure she goes away for good."
It might be hard to believe, but many of the texts have been even worse than this and absolutely not fit for publication.
The sender has even mocked the family’s attempts to trace them, stating they would never be found. One text read: "I am many because we are a group and a union of people who dislike u."
Shea has changed her phone number repeatedly over the months but the texts keep coming. Hopefully, the police investigation now in full swing will get to the bottom of it and let she will be able to get on with her life in peace.
Sending anonymous abuse to a vulnerable young woman is a ridiculously evil and cowardly thing to do.
But, again, it intensifies the debate surrounding technology and the anonymity of its users. Do we really need to have the ability to communicate with others anonymously? What kind of precautions should be in place and what tools and powers do website owners and law enforcement agencies need in order to protect people properly?
In the meantime, Shea has told her mum that she will not give in to bullies and her mum has set up a Facebook page, ImWithShea, for people who want to offer their support. The page has already attracted about 36,000 likes from supporters and well wishers, which Shea is said to be truly grateful for.
Keri said: "Thank you so much for all the support! Shea is a new lady with confidence! This was a beautiful thing that has come of this, and Shea and I can’t wait to pay it forward!"
