Whether online, written or spoken, words have power. In light of recent tragedies related to cyber-bullying and discrimination, people should be more aware than ever of the impact their words can have and consider the consequences of their prejudices.

Prejudice is a deep-rooted, negative attitude toward a person simply because they are a member of a certain group. Unfortunately, the destruction it can cause is too familiar a concept in this country. Few people today would openly admit to being racist or sexist, though there was a time when that type of discrimination was prevalent. But many seem to ignore the blatant prejudice based on sexual orientation as very public instances of discrimination and harassment have been left unchecked.

Within the last month, six LGBT teenagers across the country have committed suicide in response to various forms of bullying, discrimination and harassment. Grand Valley State University hosted a candlelight vigil on Tuesday to honor the memory of these individuals and to encourage others who may be struggling with the same situations to seek help. The media is beginning to pick up on these instances and public figures are starting to speak out against this form of prejudice. But to the families and friends of the individuals who ended their lives, this effort comes too late.

A common theme in some of these recent cases of LGBT-related prejudice is the use of technology to carry out the harassment. Cyber-bullying is defined as “when teens use the Internet, cell phones or other devices to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person,” according to the National Crime Prevention Counsel. When an adult is involved on either end of the bullying, it is termed cyber-harassment or cyber-stalking, which are more serious offenses. The case of assistant attorney general Andrew Shrivell attacking University of Michigan student body president Chris Armstrong springs to mind as an example of cyber-harassment that was permitted to go unchecked. Also, Tyler Clementi, 18, committed suicide after his roommate secretly filmed him in a “sexual encounter” with another man and posted the video online.

As technology becomes an even bigger part of everyday life, harm as well as good can come from its convenience. There is an anonymity to online comments that allow the speakers to be more detached from what they are saying, perhaps causing them to type things they would not normally say face-to-face. The anonymity can contribute to cyber-bullying by giving people the courage behind their computer and cell phone screens to more viciously attack others.

Whatever the medium, whatever the target, harassment is unacceptable and unfounded. America has struggled to overcome various prejudices in the past and probably is still not completely free of them. In seeing the past damage these negative stereotypes have caused, more people should be wary of the current trend toward discriminating against members of the LGBT community. Personal beliefs and opinions aside, everyone deserves a safe environment to express themselves and be who they are.