Court Reporters and the Bully Brigade in the Digital Age

Posted bystenoimperiumPosted inCourt ReportingTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cyberbullying isn’t just a problem among teenagers—it has seeped into professional industries, including court reporting. Within online forums and social media groups designed for networking and support, some court reporters have formed a “Bully Brigade,” using their platforms to scrutinize, belittle, and ostracize their peers. The safety of a keyboard has emboldened certain individuals to wield power and control through words, creating an environment where professionals face hostility from within their own ranks. This article examines how cyberbullying affects the court reporting community, the motivations behind it, and strategies to combat this troubling trend.

The Rise of the “Bully Brigade”

The anonymity and distance provided by social media have made it easier for individuals to engage in behavior they might avoid in face-to-face interactions. The court reporting industry, known for its rigorous standards and high-pressure work, has seen an increase in online bullying that stems from personal insecurities, competition, and the need to assert dominance.

1. Power and Control in Online Spaces

Social media has given certain individuals a platform to assert their authority over others, often by dismissing differing opinions, attacking work methods, or belittling those they perceive as less experienced. The ability to control conversations, silence dissenting voices, and publicly critique others has created a toxic atmosphere where many hesitate to participate for fear of backlash.

2. Professional Insecurity and Gatekeeping

Some members of the community use social media to reinforce a hierarchy within the profession, deciding who is “worthy” of respect based on arbitrary standards. This type of gatekeeping leads to exclusion, with newer or less traditional court reporters feeling unwelcome in discussions that should be constructive and educational.

3. The Looseness of Words Behind a Screen

Many individuals who engage in online bullying might never act the same way in person. The lack of immediate consequences allows people to type things they would never say face-to-face. This disconnect between digital and real-world interactions has fueled an increase in unfiltered criticism, personal attacks, and unprofessional conduct.

4. Miscommunication and Escalation

Text-based communication lacks tone and context, leading to misunderstandings that can quickly spiral out of control. A simple disagreement can turn into a heated argument, with participants misinterpreting intentions and responding defensively. This escalation contributes to the growing divide within the profession and discourages healthy discussions.

Navigating the Challenges: Solutions and Strategies

To combat cyberbullying while maintaining the benefits of online networking, court reporters must take active steps toward fostering a more supportive and professional environment.

1. Encouraging Respectful Communication

Court reporters should approach online discussions with the same professionalism they would in person. Thoughtful, respectful engagement can help set a standard for how industry professionals interact on digital platforms.

2. Creating Positive Online Communities

Rather than participating in toxic discussions, court reporters can create and engage in groups that prioritize mentorship, collaboration, and support. Moderators of professional forums should establish clear guidelines to prevent bullying and promote respectful discourse.

3. Holding Bullies Accountable

If a colleague is engaging in online bullying, others should not hesitate to call out unprofessional behavior. Reporting harmful content, refusing to engage with toxic individuals, and encouraging accountability can help curb the spread of cyberbullying.

4. Fostering Inclusivity

Instead of gatekeeping, experienced professionals should focus on mentorship and guidance. Welcoming different perspectives and acknowledging that there is no single “right” way to approach the profession can create a more inclusive and productive community.

5. Recognizing the Impact of Words

Understanding that words have consequences, even online, is crucial. Court reporters should think before they post, considering whether their words contribute positively to the discussion or simply tear others down.

The Future of Court Reporting in an Online World

The court reporting profession thrives when its members uplift and support each other rather than tear each other down. The rise of the “Bully Brigade” highlights the dangers of unchecked online hostility, but by fostering professionalism, accountability, and respect, the industry can overcome these challenges.

Moving forward, court reporters must remember that behind every screen is a person deserving of respect. By choosing collaboration over conflict and professionalism over pettiness, the community can ensure a healthier, more supportive environment for all its members.

Social media has changed the way court reporters interact, offering both opportunities and challenges. The rise of cyberbullying within the profession underscores the need for industry-wide efforts to promote respect and constructive dialogue. Through education, mentorship, and ethical engagement, court reporters can protect the integrity of their profession while fostering a culture of support and professionalism. The future of court reporting depends not on who can shout the loudest online, but on who is willing to build a stronger, more united community.

Published by stenoimperium

We exist to facilitate the fortifying of the Stenography profession and ensure its survival for the next hundred years! As court reporters, we've handed the relationship role with our customers, or attorneys, over to the agencies and their sales reps.  This has done a lot of damage to our industry.  It has taken away our ability to have those relationships, the ability to be humanized and valued.  We've become a replaceable commodity. Merely saying we are the “Gold Standard” tells them that we’re the best, but there are alternatives.  Who we are though, is much, much more powerful than that!  We are the Responsible Charge.  “Responsible Charge” means responsibility for the direction, control, supervision, and possession of stenographic & transcription work, as the case may be, to assure that the work product has been critically examined and evaluated for compliance with appropriate professional standards by a licensee in the profession, and by sealing and signing the documents, the professional stenographer accepts responsibility for the stenographic or transcription work, respectively, represented by the documents and that applicable stenographic and professional standards have been met.  This designation exists in other professions, such as engineering, land surveying, public water works, landscape architects, land surveyors, fire preventionists, geologists, architects, and more.  In the case of professional engineers, the engineering association adopted a Responsible Charge position statement that says, “A professional engineer is only considered to be in responsible charge of an engineering work if the professional engineer makes independent professional decisions regarding the engineering work without requiring instruction or approval from another authority and maintains control over those decisions by the professional engineer’s physical presence at the location where the engineering work is performed or by electronic communication with the individual executing the engineering work.” If we were to adopt a Responsible Charge position statement for our industry, we could start with a draft that looks something like this: "A professional court reporter, or stenographer, is only considered to be in responsible charge of court reporting work if the professional court reporter makes independent professional decisions regarding the court reporting work without requiring instruction or approval from another authority and maintains control over those decisions by the professional court reporter’s physical presence at the location where the court reporting work is performed or by electronic communication with the individual executing the court reporting work.” Shared purpose The cornerstone of a strategic narrative is a shared purpose. This shared purpose is the outcome that you and your customer are working toward together. It’s more than a value proposition of what you deliver to them. Or a mission of what you do for the world. It’s the journey that you are on with them. By having a shared purpose, the relationship shifts from consumer to co-creator. In court reporting, our mission is “to bring justice to every litigant in the U.S.”  That purpose is shared by all involved in the litigation process – judges, attorneys, everyone.  Who we are is the Responsible Charge.  How we do that is by Protecting the Record.

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