Social media plays an important role in our lives today, providing us with a forum to share our opinions, experiences and observations. However, it comes with its pros and cons.

Sometimes, sarcastic comments made on social media platforms may hurt people's sentiments. In extreme circumstances, this can lead to blackmailing,  personal attacks, hate speeches, and even the spread of fake information.

Cyberbullying, the use of cell phones, instant messaging, e-mail, chat rooms or social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to harass, threaten or intimidate someone, is a common problem for many today, especially public figures. More often than not, cyber crimes are committed using fake online identities. As the use of mobile and online communications has grown so rapidly, laws to address cyberbullying and cybercrime has increased.

In recent years, a good number of Bangladeshi web projects have bravely dealt with the subject of cyberbullying. Two such web originals are Sanjay Somadder's "Troll" and Kajal Arefin Ome's "Viral Girl". Both of them were released on Cinematic. To some extent, Hoichoi's "Taqdeer", directed by Syed Ahmed Shawki, also highlighted how rumours spread through social media can be disastrous for one's life.

"Troll' starring Apurba, Shatabdi Wadud and Tasnia Farin among others, is about a serial killer, who loses his sanity after his sister attempts suicide, when a photoshoped video of her goes viral online. She chooses to end her life because of the shaming and bullying she faces.

On the other hand, Tasnia Farin's character is a rising star, who falls into the trap of a blackmailer, and faces mental trauma, as she fears losing her fame overnight. The story of "Troll" sheds light on how female users of social media are harassed online in different ways.

Mehazabien Chowdhury, Manoj Pramanik and Shahed Ali among others star in "Viral Girl", a web show that highlights the consequences a  person faces, when their online content goes viral for something unprecedented.

It provides a snapshot of how events are portrayed on social media, and how people tamper with real information and give false statements, without even knowing the facts.

Shows like "Troll" and "Viral Girl" are being lauded by audiences and critics alike. It is commendable that they are raising awareness about a crucial topic, and encouraging the masses to protest against cyberbullying in their own ways.

At the same time, leading stars like Mehazabien and Apurba should be appreciated for choosing such scripts, as these stories instill hope for positive changes in the digital sphere.