Cyberbullying & Motives
What is a common motivation for cyberbullying described by Rafferty & Vander Ven?
Revenge, humor, jealousy, and social dominance.
What three groups did Mishna et al. study in their research ?
Victims, bullies, and bully-victims.
What are the three main elements of Routine Actvities Theory?
Motivated offender, suitable target, and a lack of a capable guardian.
Name an emotional impact/symptom of being cyberbullied.
Anxiety, depression, isolation, and fear.
How can one reduce online risks?
How does anonymity encourage cyberbullying behaviors?
It increases boldness and reduces the likelihood of accountability. i.e. "Would someone say this to someone in real life?"
Name one personal risk factor for becoming a victim.
Low self-esteem, social isolation, and high internet usage.
Created Cyberlifestyle RAC Theory (CL-RAT)
How does cyberstalking differ from regular online harassment?
It is persistent, involves targeting, and unwanted pursuits.
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How does peer influence play a part in online aggression?
Group validation can encourage participation.
What makes "bully-victims" stand out?
They both experience and perpetrate bullying. Which means they often have more severe emotional difficulties.
Give one example of a "suitable target" online.
Someone who shares private information, accepts all friend requests, and posts frequently.
What psychological toll is especially high for bullying victims?
Guilt, confusion, and internal conflict.
How might peer intervention help reduce online aggression?
Bystanders calling out harmful behavior to deter possible bullies.
How does college culture contribute to online hostility?
Status and social comparisons fuel aggression.
How can the family environment influence cyberbullying involvement?
Conflict or low parental supervision increases risk.
What counts as a "capable guardian" online?
Privacy settings, platform monitoring, and supportive peers.
Why might cyberstalking be underreported among students?
What is the danger of focusing on only victim behavior in preventing cyberbullying?
It creates more space for victim blaming and ignoring systemic issues.
Why would cyberbullying feel less real to the perpetrators? i.e. Why would this act feel harmless to them?
The digital distance reduces empathy and emotional awareness.
What combination of traits is the most predicted bully behavior?
Aggression, peer problems, and high time online.
How might one's online routine increase victimization risk?
Frequent public posting or engaging with strangers raises exposure.
How can online aggression affect academic or social livelihood?
Decreased performance, avoidance of online spaces, and withdrawl.
Combine insights from all three articles: What would make a strong campus prevention model?
1. Education on digital routines ( from CL-RAT) 2. addressing emotional risk (from Mishna) and 3. empathy-based awareness (from Rafferty & Vander Ven)