Cyberbullying
Author: Gaurav Bhoir
MMS – Roll No.67
Kohinoor Business School
Literature Review
Cyberbullying on Social Networking Sites: The Crime Opportunity and Affordance Perspectives
Chan, Tommy K. H.;Cheung, Christy M. K.;Wong, Randy Y. M. (2019) Says that, This research explores the concerning phenomenon of cyberbullying on social networking sites (SNS) through the lens of crime opportunity theory and the affordance perspective. It proposes a novel framework that sheds light on how the features and functionalities of SNS platforms (affordances) create favorable conditions for cyberbullying to occur. The study argues that the surge in popularity of SNS has created ample opportunities for perpetrators to target vulnerable individuals. The ease of finding potential victims through online profiles, coupled with the ability to transcend geographical and temporal limitations, empowers bullies to inflict harm with relative anonymity.
Furthermore, specific SNS features like anonymity, persistence of content, and ease of audience reach are identified as key affordances that contribute to a heightened risk of cyberbullying. These features allow perpetrators to conceal their identities, ensure their messages have lasting impact, and broadly disseminate harmful content, all of which exacerbate the negative consequences for victims. The research emphasizes the crucial role of evaluating the interplay between SNS affordances and the broader social environment in understanding and preventing cyberbullying. By recognizing the opportunities and affordances offered by these platforms, we can develop more effective strategies to combat this pervasive issue and create safer online spaces for all.
Content analysis of cyberbullying coverage in Newspapers- A study from Bengaluru, India.
Mysore Narasimha Vranda, Padmavathy Doraiswamy1 , James Ranjith Prabhu, Adhasa Ajayan, Priyankadevi S (2023) States that, How cyberbullying is portrayed in English newspapers published in Bengaluru, India, over six months. They analyzed 549 newspapers and found only 51 articles reporting on individual cyberbullying incidents, which translates to a mere 11% compared to 26% reported in US print media. The study revealed that males were targeted more frequently (56.9%) than females (28%). Online harassment and impersonation were the most commonly reported forms of cyberbullying, primarily driven by intentional harm (80.4%). Interestingly, having fun (7.8%) and seeking revenge (3.9%) were less frequent motivations.
The study suggests that societal factors like lack of attention, social frustration, and relationship issues significantly contribute to cyberbullying behavior. This emphasizes the need for increased awareness and reporting of cyberbullying in Indian media, alongside addressing the underlying societal factors that fuel such behavior. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of developing local guidelines for sensitive and responsible reporting of cyberbullying incidents in the media. This can help minimize potential harm to victims while raising awareness and promoting responsible online behavior. While the study focused solely on English newspapers in Bengaluru, limiting generalizability to other regions and languages, it provides valuable insights into the media portrayal of cyberbullying in India. It underscores the need for further research, interventions, and responsible media practices to effectively address this growing issue and protect individuals from its detrimental consequences.
Comparing cyberbullying prevalence and process before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Christopher P. Barletta , Matthew M. Simmersa , Brendan Rotha , and Douglas Gentile (2021)
States that, This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cyberbullying prevalence and dynamics. Researchers compared data from US adults collected six months before and during the pandemic’s peak. While the study found no significant change in perceptions of anonymity, it revealed a concerning rise in other aspects. During the pandemic, individuals exhibited a stronger belief that online muscularity is irrelevant to bullying (BIMOB), suggesting a potential decrease in perceived consequences for cyberbullying behavior. Additionally, the study identified a significant increase in both cyberbullying attitudes and actual perpetration compared to pre-pandemic times. This suggests that the pandemic environment, characterized by increased online activity and potential social isolation, may have contributed to a more permissive and aggressive online climate.
Furthermore, the research revealed a stronger link between cyberbullying attitudes and perpetration during the pandemic. This indicates that individuals holding negative attitudes towards online bullying were more likely to engage in such behavior during this period. These findings highlight the concerning potential of the pandemic to exacerbate cyberbullying issues. They emphasize the need for increased awareness and interventions to address the psychological and social factors influencing online behavior, particularly during times of crisis or social disruption.
Workplace cyberbullying and bystander helping behaviour
Charmein Maddena and Jennifer (M. I.) Loh (2018) Conclude that, A study explored the crucial role of bystanders in curbing workplace cyberbullying. Analyzing the dynamics through the lens of the “bystander effect” and social identity theory, researchers examined factors influencing intervention in cyberbullying scenarios. The study found that bystanders were more likely to intervene when the victim was a close work friend compared to a mere colleague. Interestingly, the number of bystanders present inversely impacted intervention likelihood, suggesting a phenomenon known as “diffusion of responsibility,” where individuals feel less accountable to act when others are present.
Furthermore, the research highlighted the importance of perceived ambiguity in influencing intervention. Bystanders were less likely to intervene if they deemed the situation unclear or unsure of its severity. This underscores the need for clear organizational policies and communication channels to facilitate appropriate identification and reporting of cyberbullying incidents. The study emphasizes the critical role of fostering a culture of intervention within workplaces. By promoting empathy, fostering clear communication, and addressing the bystander effect, organizations can empower individuals to take action against cyberbullying and create a safer, more respectful work environment for all.
Why Do Adults Engage in Cyberbullying on Social Media? An Integration of Online Disinhibition and Deindividuation Effects with the Social Structure and Social Learning Model
Paul Benjamin Lowry, Jun Zhang ,Chuang Wang and Mikko Siponen (2016) says that involvement in cyberbullying on social media platforms. Through an integrated theoretical framework that combines elements of online disinhibition, deindividuation effects, and the social structure and social learning model, the authors aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon. They argue that adults may engage in cyberbullying due to the reduced sense of accountability and inhibition facilitated by online interactions, as well as the influence of social structures and learned behaviors. By examining the interplay between individual psychological factors, social dynamics, and online environments, the article offers insights into the multifaceted nature of adult cyberbullying. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of considering both personal characteristics and broader societal influences in addressing this issue effectively. Through their analysis, the authors highlight the need for targeted interventions that address not only the individual motivations behind cyberbullying but also the social and structural factors that contribute to its prevalence. Ultimately, the article serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to develop comprehensive strategies for combating cyberbullying among adults on social media platforms.
Cyberbullying perpetration in the COVID-19 era: An application of general strain theory
Christopher P. Barlett, Alexis Rinker, and Brendan Roth (2021) Says that, This study explored the connection between the COVID-19 pandemic and cyberbullying behavior in adults. Applying the “general strain theory,” researchers hypothesized that stressful experiences related to COVID-19 would contribute to increased cyberbullying. The study involved two surveys of US adults, examining both personal experiences with COVID-19 (e.g., getting sick) and knowledge of people close to them contracting the virus. Results revealed a positive correlation between both types of COVID-19 experiences and cyberbullying perpetration.
Interestingly, the study found that only personal experiences with COVID-19 indirectly influenced cyberbullying through increased stress. This suggests that the personal impact of the pandemic, rather than simply being aware of cases around them, contributes to a heightened risk of engaging in cyberbullying behavior. These findings highlight the potential psychological consequences of the pandemic and the need for interventions that address stress management and coping mechanisms, particularly during times of crisis. By mitigating stress and fostering positive online behavior, we can work towards creating a safer and more respectful online environment for all.
Investigating consumers’ motives for consumer brand-cyberbullying on social media
Jan Breitsohla , Nadia Jimenezb and Holger Roschk (2022) Says that ,A recent study delves into the concerning phenomenon of consumer brand-cyberbullying (CBC), where individuals bully others online based on their brand preferences. This research, the first of its kind to employ a survey approach, identifies various factors influencing this behavior. Individuals motivated by a desire for popularity and attractiveness are more likely to engage in CBC, while those seeking to build connections and foster a positive online community are less likely to participate. Additionally, the study reveals that strong identification with a particular brand increases the likelihood of engaging in CBC, either to defend the brand or negatively promote competing brands. These findings highlight the complex interplay between individual psychology, brand loyalty, and online behavior. They emphasize the need for further research to understand and address this harmful phenomenon.
Using IT Design to Prevent Cyberbullying
Paul Benjamin Lowry, Gregory D. Moody, And Sutirtha Chatterjee (2017) States that, With the rise of social media, cyberbullying has become a growing concern, and a new form targeting individuals based on their brand preferences has emerged. This article explores how the design of online platforms can be used to combat this issue.
Researchers propose a model suggesting that specific design features can influence the likelihood of cyberbullying by impacting factors like feelings of anonymity and accountability. Their findings, based on a survey, reveal that individuals who perceive themselves as being controlled by others online are more prone to engaging in cyberbullying.
The study highlights the potential of designing social media platforms in ways that:
*Increase user accountability by encouraging real-name usage or other identification methods.
*Reduce feelings of anonymity by fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
*Empower users with effective tools to report and flag cyberbullying incidents.
By implementing these design changes, social media platforms can play a significant role in creating a safer and more positive online environment for everyone.
Cyber-aggression, Cyberbullying, and Cyber-grooming: A Survey and Research Challenges
MILJANA MLADENOVIĆ, Serbia VERA OŠMJANSKI and STAŠA VUJIČIĆ STANKOVIĆ (2022) Says that, “Cyber-aggression, Cyberbullying, and Cyber-grooming: A Survey and Research Challenges” dives into the concerning world of harmful online behaviors. The article differentiates between cyber-aggression, cyberbullying, and cyber-grooming, acknowledging their overlaps while highlighting their unique characteristics. It examines existing systems for classifying and studying these behaviors, along with the different categories of individuals targeted by these online attacks. The research acknowledges the challenges of analyzing online language and interpreting intent, which can hinder effective detection and prevention. Existing databases and methods for automatically identifying and predicting these harmful behaviors are reviewed, but the article emphasizes the need for further advancements.
Looking forward, the research calls for the development of systems to track the evolution of harmful content across platforms, alongside refined methods for automatic detection and prevention. Addressing the ethical considerations of such interventions is also highlighted as crucial. By comprehensively examining these online threats and identifying areas for improvement, the research paves the way for creating a safer online environment for everyone.
Gender and organisational position: predicting victimisation of cyberbullying behaviour in working life
Rebecka Cowen Forssell (2020) Says that, The article sheds light on how gender and organizational position influence who gets targeted by cyberbullying in the workplace. Analyzing data from over 3,300 individuals, researchers found that a negative work environment significantly increases the risk of cyberbullying for everyone. Interestingly, women in management face unique challenges. While lack of support from managers generally increases cyberbullying risk, for women managers specifically, it was the lack of support from colleagues that played a key role. Additionally, unlike other groups, age offered no protection against cyberbullying for women managers. These findings suggest that men and women experience workplace cyberbullying differently, and that women in leadership positions face distinct vulnerabilities. The research emphasizes the need for organizations to create supportive work environments and address the specific needs of different groups, particularly women in leadership roles.
Conclusion:
My exploration through ten research articles paints a complex picture of cyberbullying, highlighting its various facets and demanding multifaceted solutions. Motivations range from seeking popularity to defending brand loyalty, while fostering positive online communities can deter such behavior. IT design plays a crucial role, with features promoting accountability and reducing anonymity contributing to a safer online environment.
Understanding different forms of online aggression, like cyberbullying and cyber-grooming, is essential, as they target diverse groups and pose unique challenges in analysis. Even workplaces present unique dynamics, with women, particularly those in leadership, facing specific vulnerabilities.
Therefore, effectively addressing cyberbullying requires continuous research, a combination of solutions like awareness campaigns, technological interventions, and supportive policies, and finally, recognizing the diverse experiences of different groups to tailor prevention and intervention strategies accordingly. Only through a comprehensive approach can we create a more responsible and inclusive online space for everyone.
References:
BARLETT, C. P. et al.(2021) Comparing cyberbullying prevalence and process before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Social Psychology, [s. l.], v. 161, n. 4, p. 408–418, 2021. DOI 10.1080/00224545.2021.1918619. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=d967985b-c1fa-3bf8-bf7a-782f07a8d63b. Acesso em: 22 fev. 2024.
BARLETT, C. P.; RINKER, A.; ROTH, B. (2021) Cyberbullying perpetration in the COVID-19 era: An application of general strain theory. Journal of Social Psychology, [s. l.], v. 161, n. 4, p. 466–476, 2021. DOI 10.1080/00224545.2021.1883503. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=cfe37847-4abc-31c1-9899-712de20f78b8. Acesso em: 22 fev. 2024.
BREITSOHL, J.; JIMENEZ, N.; ROSCHK, H. (2022) Investigating consumers’ motives for consumer brand-cyberbullying on social media. Information Society, [s. l.], v. 38, n. 1, p. 1–12, 2022. DOI 10.1080/01972243.2021.1981507. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=e72b05c2-0a89-3147-94d6-b3a769b1b81c. Acesso em: 23 fev. 2024.
CHAN, T. K. H.; CHEUNG, C. M. K.; WONG, R. Y. M. (2019) Cyberbullying on Social Networking Sites: The Crime Opportunity and Affordance Perspectives. Journal of Management Information Systems, [s. l.], v. 36, n. 2, p. 574–609, 2019. DOI 10.1080/07421222.2019.1599500. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=79cd9b79-9f5d-3b9f-aed8-d5ee7adc2b61. Acesso em: 22 fev. 2024.
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LOWRY, P. B. et al. (2016) Why Do Adults Engage in Cyberbullying on Social Media? An Integration of Online Disinhibition and Deindividuation Effects with the Social Structure and Social Learning Model. Information Systems Research, [s. l.], v. 27, n. 4, p. 962–986, 2016. DOI 10.1287/isre.2016.0671. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=a4096eb9-5816-3309-8599-fa57bd5283fd. Acesso em: 22 fev. 2024.
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VRANDA, M. et al. (2023) Content analysis of cyberbullying coverage in Newspapers- A study from Bengaluru, India. Industrial Psychiatry Journal, [s. l.], v. 32, n. 2, p. 456–459, 2023. DOI 10.4103/ipj.ipj_47_22. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=d7603138-08fc-3228-9b81-b14365b2539d. Acesso em: 22 fev. 2024.