Examination of the Relationship between Cyberbullying and Cyber Victimization

Abstract

Behaviors which are conducted via information technologies, which are irritating, and which cause psychological strain for the individuals are categorized as cyberbullying (CB). Cyber victimization (CV), on the other hand, expresses exposure to CB behaviors. In this study, we utilize General Strain Theory (GST) as the theoretical basis to examine the relationship between CB and exposure to CV among university students. GST explains that individuals may display aberrant behaviors in order to alleviate psychological strains and the negative emotions they experience. Accordingly, individuals who experienced CV may display CB when the conditions are suitable. With that in mind, we examined the relationship between CB and CV using a relational screening model with participation of 3302 university students. We found, consistent with the literature, a direct relationship between CB and CV in all models. However, it was determined that their mediating effects are not meaningful when the variables of metacognitive and digital data security awareness (DDSA) are added to the model separately. When these two variables are added to the model together as the mediator at the same time, DDSA negatively mediates the relation between CB and CV. Including various activities aiming to develop DDSA within intervention programs for CB and CV, may improve positive outcomes for participants.