One step forward, two steps back: Cyberbullying within social networking sites

Abstract

Although public awareness of cyberbullying has increased, evidence suggests the social problem has not abated. While past studies have highlighted numerous factors that affect risks of experiencing cyberbullying in general, few studies have focused on identifying risk factors within social networking sites (SNS). Moreover, even fewer studies have utilized a theoretical perspective to frame and ground findings. Therefore, using data collected as part of the Pew Internet Project, 1 and Routine Activities Theory (Cohen and Felson, 1979) as a theoretical framework, this study fills a substantial void in the literature by reviewing what activities within SNS affect the risk of experiencing cyberbullying.

Technology and the endless “cat and mouse” game: A review of the interpersonal cybervictimization literature

“…Aside from determining prevalence rates, many scholars have focused on identifying risk factors that increase the likelihood of experiencing cyberbullying or cyberaggression (Ackers, ; Bossler et al, ; Dake, Price, Maziarz, & Ward, ; Navarro et al, ; Navarro & Jasinski, , ). This line of research has resulted in findings that show greater availability online and wider technology use increases the chances of experiencing cyberbullying victimization (Marcum, Higgins, & Ricketts, ; Navarro et al, ; Navarro & Jasinski, , ).…”

“…Aside from determining prevalence rates, many scholars have focused on identifying risk factors that increase the likelihood of experiencing cyberbullying or cyberaggression (Ackers, ; Bossler et al, ; Dake, Price, Maziarz, & Ward, ; Navarro et al, ; Navarro & Jasinski, , ). This line of research has resulted in findings that show greater availability online and wider technology use increases the chances of experiencing cyberbullying victimization (Marcum, Higgins, & Ricketts, ; Navarro et al, ; Navarro & Jasinski, , ). Moreover, individuals that engage in specific online activities are more likely to experience cyberbullying and aggression: blogging, chat room usage, instant messaging usage, and social networking site utilization (Marcum et al, ; Navarro et al, ; Navarro & Jasinski, , ; Seiler & Navarro, ).…”

“…This line of research has resulted in findings that show greater availability online and wider technology use increases the chances of experiencing cyberbullying victimization (Marcum, Higgins, & Ricketts, ; Navarro et al, ; Navarro & Jasinski, , ). Moreover, individuals that engage in specific online activities are more likely to experience cyberbullying and aggression: blogging, chat room usage, instant messaging usage, and social networking site utilization (Marcum et al, ; Navarro et al, ; Navarro & Jasinski, , ; Seiler & Navarro, ). Finally, scholars have found that youth who bully others are more likely to experience victimization (Kowalski et al, ; Navarro et al, ; Navarro & Jasinski, ).…”

“…Moreover, individuals that engage in specific online activities are more likely to experience cyberbullying and aggression: blogging, chat room usage, instant messaging usage, and social networking site utilization (Marcum et al, ; Navarro et al, ; Navarro & Jasinski, , ; Seiler & Navarro, ). Finally, scholars have found that youth who bully others are more likely to experience victimization (Kowalski et al, ; Navarro et al, ; Navarro & Jasinski, ).…”

“…Aside from identifying behaviors that increase the risk of experiencing cyberbullying, scholars have also focused on determining if particular youth are especially vulnerable to these offenses. In terms of the significance of age, studies noting a relationship between this factor and cybervictimization typically find that younger adolescents are more likely to experience cyberbullying compared to older teens (Kowalski et al, ; Navarro et al, ; Seiler & Navarro, ). The relationship between gender and experiencing cyberbullying is not consistent across studies.…”