The ethics of reciprocity (or “The Golden Rule”) is a major tenet for at least 22 religions and has been commented upon by well-known philosophers throughout history.1 But my favorite version is from Walt Disney’s “Bambi,” when Thumper’s mother asks Thumper, “What did your father say this morning?” To which the baby rabbit replies, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
Unfortunately, many people have trouble living by this simple rule, and when being unkind is taken to the Internet, police and prosecutors are often called on to step in. Welcome to the world of cyberbullying.
