Over the summer, an Instagram account by the name of “Mustang Murmurs” was created by an unknown Mira Costa Student. Since the beginning of August, the account has been posting harmful rumors and gossip about students at Costa.
In the bio of the Instagram account, there is a linked google form where anyone can anonymously post “murmurs” about their peers. Because of this, no one knows where the accusations and rumors posted on the account are coming from.
An anonymous student who was targeted by the account commented on how deprecating it can be to feel attacked by an unknown group or person.
“It sucks because you don’t know who is saying these things about you. I know not to be hurt by it, but it’s a strange feeling not knowing who or where it came from, especially when the rumor feels so personal. It’s just so immature, I feel like we’re in 7th grade.”
The student elaborated on how the position of being anonymous gives people who submit “murmurs” a feeling of empowerment. They discussed how upsetting it was that the account was put together purposefully to spread gossip and hurtful words.
School resource officer Donovan Torres expressed how the main harm of accounts like this isn’t the people putting it together, it’s the people who interact with it and give it power.
“All the people liking, commenting, and interacting with the posts are fueling the fire and encouraging the creator to keep it going. If people gave it no attention at all, they would give this person no satisfaction, but that interaction is what’s keeping things like this alive, it’s what’s keeping hate alive.”
Torres also explained how, depending on the severity of the posts, the punishments for things like this can be quite severe. The school has the ability to obtain a warrant and conduct an investigation if the posts reach a certain level of harm. Even though multiple people contribute to “Mustang Murmurs”, Torres stated that whoever created the account will be the one held accountable.
“If the need comes down to me getting nitty-gritty, I can and I will.” Torres said. “Coming from a police stance, [Costa] has a zero tolerance policy for bullying. Whoever runs the account is liable for a misdemeanor, a fine, or even some jail time depending on the severity.”
According to a study done by the Pew Research Center, 46% of students in America have experienced at least one of the following types of cyberbullying: name-calling, false rumors, explicit images, harassment, or physical threats.
“Online bullying seems to have increased as social media has become omnipresent. People tend to make more hurtful and extreme comments online because they don’t have to face their target or others around them.” Said diversity and culture studies teacher, Mr Caine. “It’s cowardly and, unfortunately, if not checked, can contribute to more similar behavior and harm.”
Officer Torres and La Vista encourage anyone who has been personally targeted to come forward. You can speak to a school counselor or resource officer. If you see something, say something.
Leave a Reply