The Impact of Violent Media Content and Knowledge of Viable Responses to Cyberviolence on Good Citizenship Behavior Among South Korean Adolescents

Abstract

Exposure to cyberviolence among adolescents has become a societal issue in the media-saturated world. In this study, we examine whether or not exposure to violent media content, victimization or perpetration experiences, parental and teacher intervention, susceptibility, knowledge of viable responses when exposed to cyberviolence, and awareness of legal consequences influence the witnessing of cyberviolence among adolescents. Additionally, we investigate the characteristics that lead to good citizenship behavior when adolescents witness cyberviolence. We analyzed annual national survey data from 2018 to 2022 among adolescents in South Korea, including data collected from students ranging from grades 4 to 12. There were patterns that existed across five survey years; adolescents who were more exposed to violent media content, who were younger, and who experienced being perpetrators were more likely to be in an environment where they witnessed cyberviolence. The results also showed that less exposure to violent media content and knowing viable responses when witnessing cyberviolence increased the likelihood of adolescents adopting good citizenship behaviors. Educating adolescents about viable actions they can take when witnessing cyberviolence can lead to good citizenship. Making the online ecosystem a safe space for adolescents requires the attention of several parties: adolescents, parents, teachers, and online platforms.