Why Is Cyber Victimization Increasing?

Cyberspace can provide anonymity for bullies.

Cyber victimization or cyber bullying refers to the practice of intentionally threatening, harassing and humiliating others in the realm of electronic communication otherwise known as cyberspace. Technologies such as electronic mail, social networking sites and text messaging are increasingly being used by children and adolescents to inflict psychological harm on their peers, at home or at school, 24 hours a day.

Technology

One reason that cyber victimization is increasing is that technology is becoming increasing available to children and adolescents. According to the Counseling Outfitters website, over 80 percent of adolescents own at least one cellular phone, personal digital assistant or computer and consider these devices a necessary part of their lives for homework, entertainment and social interaction. The availability of camera phones with Internet access, for example, allows adolescents to take and distribute embarrassing or humiliating photographs of their peers almost anywhere.

Anonymity

The lack of face-to-face interaction and the degree of anonymity afforded by the Internet may also be reasons why cyber victimization is increasing, according to Delia Carroll Campfield of the University of Montana. Both factors may lead to reduced inhibitions, social accountability and empathy towards others, all of which increase the tendency for children and adolescents to victimize others in cyberspace.

Physical Strength

Unlike face-to-face victimization cyber bullying does not require physical strength so it may provide an opportunity for smaller, weaker individuals to dominate others. Indeed victims of face-to-face bullying often imitate bullying behavior with their less dominant peers so they may see the Internet as an easier way of doing so or try retaliating against those who perpetrate face-to-face victimization against them.

Adult Presence

Traditional face-to-face victimization is often discouraged by the presence of adults but cyber victimization remains largely hidden from adults -- unless it is reported by a victim -- so perpetrators may believe that they can engage in unrestrained aggressive behavior without any apparent repercussions. In addition victims of cyber victimization are often loathe to reports incidents of bullying to adults for fear of not being believed, making the situation worse, or having their cellular phone or computer taken away. Victims may also feel that they cannot escape cyber victimization such is the importance of technology, especially the Internet, in their lives. They may adopt a “grin and bear it” attitude which encourages the bully to continue his or her behavior.

References

• The University of Montana; Cyber Bullying and Victimization; Delia Carroll Campfield; 2006
• The Impact of Cyber Bullying: A New Type of Relational Aggression; Jennifer M. Johnson; March 2009
• Queensland University of Technology; Cyber Bullying: An Old Problem in a New Guise?; Marilyn A. Campbell; 2005