Offline Consequences of Online Victimization

TLDR

Youth increasingly use computer‑mediated communication, leading to more frequent interpersonal violence such as cyberbullying, which causes emotional, psychological, and physical harm. The study applies general strain theory to examine the emotional and behavioral consequences of cyberbullying victimization. The authors employ general strain theory to analyze online data from adolescent internet users, linking cyberbullying victimization to strain. Results show that cyberbullying victimization is a potent strain associated with school problems and delinquent behavior offline, and the study discusses policy implications.

Abstract

Abstract As increasing numbers of youth embrace computer-mediated communication to meet academic and social needs, interpersonal violence directly and indirectly related to the Internet is occurring more often. Cyberbullying in particular has shot to the forefront of agendas in schools and communities due to the emotional, psychological, and even physical harm to which victims can be subjected. While previous studies have focused on describing its frequency in an exploratory capacity, the current work seeks to utilize general strain theory to identify the emotional and behavioral effects of cyberbullying victimization. Data collected online from a sample of adolescent Internet-users indicate that cyberbullying is a potent form of strain that may be related to involvement in school problems and delinquent behavior offline. Implications of these findings and suggestions for policy are discussed.