SIR – The latest episode of abuse of Cher Lloyd reflects a wider nastiness in society.

That someone would condescend to throw a urine-filled bottle (as reported) at the diminutive Malvern teenage singer really beggars belief.

When people behave with physical or verbal aggression, who knows what psychological harm can result, perhaps not only to the intended victim but to our collective wellbeing in society.

It’s not only abuse of performers but the far larger problem is the caustic cynicism masquerading as readers’ comments in the online editions of the Worcester News and numerous other newspapers.

Cyber bullying is all too common today, where from the safety of an anonymous keyboard people feel they can insult and abuse in a way that would get any employee or schoolchild suspended, and often concerning articles about the most sensitive subjects involving people who have really suffered.

I don’t refer to honestly held opinion frankly expressed, but people seizing the opportunity to undermine and hurt, and effectively incite others to do the same in an entirely unaccountable manner.

Interestingly, this appears not to be an age-related issue.

The ages of the perpetrators varies widely so I can’t (nor would I want to) add to the myth that it’s the young people of today.

Perhaps the brutalities of some of the tabloids has played its part in desensitizing those with the latent potential to spiteful writing without thought for the dignity of the subject.

No one benefits, and I would implore others not to do it.

As a long-time devotee of the internet and its enormous potential for good, this is the other side of the coin and a very sad one indeed and getting worse. What is it all coming to?

ANDREW BROWN

Worcester