Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying refers to an aggressive, intentional, and harmful behavior willfully conducted by a group or individual toward a specific victim through the use of electronic messaging. When defining cyberbullying, many researchers begin with Dan Olweus’s tenets of traditional bullying, which include intent to inflict harm, a power differential, and repetition. These aspects are present in cyberbullying, but it is conducted via computers, cellphones, tablets, or other technological interfaces. Cyberbullies convey harmful messages through name-calling, rumor spreading, and abusive comments. Victims of cyberbullying experience an array of physical, social, emotional, and cognitive issues that can extend into adulthood. Specifically, victims can experience a number of issues later in life, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal thoughts. Despite the relative dearth of research specifically on cyberbullying, ...