DISTURBED Frontman Sounds Off On Cyber-Bullying, Online Hate Speech

DISTURBED frontman David Draiman has commented on anti-social Internet behaviors, including hate speech and cyber-bullying, which is defined as the use of technology such as the Internet and phone texting to harass or humiliate others.

According to experts, hate speech on the Internet is increasing globally due to the advent of Web 2.0 technology like video file-sharing and social-networking sites.

In a series of tweets from earlier today — some of which were written in response to other Twitter users commenting on the same topic — Draiman said, "One of the biggest problems with Internet culture is people's tendency to write whatever, without thinking it through properly beforehand.

"I encourage everyone on here to make informed statements based on forethought and fact. Don't let the fact that you are simply sitting behind a keyboard, with no one watching, and nothing to be accountable for, lull you into believing that your words/actions do not have consequences. Measure your words carefully before you spit them out. Think before you type.

"By the way, anything is OK to type, that's what freedom of speech is; but to everything, there are consequences/repercussions.

"The point, to me, is the free flow of information and ideas. Like I said, there are consequences. Bullying, for example. Whether in person or online, it is immoral, and reprehensible, and the effects it has are crystal clear.

"People have been prosecuted for harrassment online, particularly in the cases of dire circumstances.

"There are always repercussions, from tweets to Facebook posts. Friends lost, relationships ended, criminals caught by bragging about the crimes they have done.

"Criminals have been prosecuted and imprisoned after bragging about their crimes on Facebook, for instance.

"Bullies have been called out and charged for such occurrences as well.

"The thing about the written word is that it stays.

"People without conscience are just that. Unfortunately, this medium gives them a greater opportunity to do damage."

DISTURBED went on an open-ended hiatus last fall, following the completion of the touring cycle for its 2010 album "Asylum".