Humiliation in the virtual world: Definitions and conceptualization

Abstract

The cyberspace represents a platform for social relations which permit to be in touch with the World, to be "seen" by others and to "see" others. As new technologies emerge, ways of viewing are revised, especially through screens: though it has facilitated communication, the main innovation of the virtual world has been seeing, hearing and showing everything with the individual at the center of permanent interactions. But this overexposure can be dangerous: in attempting to be as much a part of the virtual world through self-exposition, individuals expose themselves to potential sources of humiliation. This exploratory analysis will outline the main literature concerning humiliation in the virtual world. By looking at the interaction occurring in the Internet, it will be shown that a dialectic exchange between "being seen" and "seeing" others exists and that it can be a trap for the individuals which leads to humiliation, henceforth called "cyberhumiliation". It will be also attempted to outline the differences between cyber-humiliation and humiliation in the contemporary society.

Cyberbullying and emotional distress in adolescents: the importance of family, peers and school

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