CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Social networks are an inherent part of today’s Internet and used by more than a

billion people worldwide. They allow people to share ideas and interact with other

people, from old friends to strangers. This interaction reveals a lot of information, often

including personal information visible to anyone who wants to view it. Hence privacy is

often a key concern by the users. In connection, some social media platforms may use

as a way to post statements and pictures (true or not) that could affect the person

involved.

The Internet and information communication technologies (ICT) are becoming a

natural part of everyday life for children and adolescents. Many researchers refer to the

generation born after 1980 as ‘the always-on generation’: this generation is growing up

in a world that offers them instant access nearly everywhere to a huge amount of

human knowledge. They have access to a wide range of social media that offer them

the opportunities to connect, create and collaborate with each other. They can play,

watch and/or create games, make videos and photos, and buy the products they want

online. The down-side of these growing opportunities is that they also create more

possibilities for negative experiences such as online bullying. Online bullying, mostly

referred to as cyberbullying, is described as “. . . bullying and harassment of others by

means of new electronic technologies, primary mobile phones and the internet” (Smith,

Steffgen, & Sittichai, 2013, p.3). Over the last 20 years, many studies have been
published about cyberbullying that have provided increased insight into the prevalence,

determinants, coping strategies, and (health-) consequences related to cyberbullying.

Bullying

Cyberbullying is any form of bullying that is carried out through the use of

electronic media devices, such as computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, or gaming

consoles. These devices offer numerous methods of communication, which range from

direct audio or video calls, to messaging services, and social networking or media

sharing applications, which allow users to share their thoughts, photos, and videos with

their friends and family online. Despite the benefits that electronic forms of

communication offer, there is increasing concern that children may become more

exposed to cyberbullying and other forms of abusive behavior online. Cyberbullying is

defined as ‘an aggressive, intentional act carried out by a group or individual, using

mobile phones or the internet, repeatedly and over time against a victim who cannot

easily defend him or herself. Although sharing many similarities with traditional forms of

bullying, which include physical, verbal, and relational victimization, cyberbullying is

often treated as a separate type of behavior for a number of reasons. Cyberbullying is

not limited to a specific location, such as a school or club, therefore, victims can be

targeted in any place, and at any time. Unlike traditional bullying, the home no longer

represents a safe place. Cyberbullying can follow a victim, invading all aspects of their

personal life, and allowing them little opportunity to escape. Many forms of electronic

communication allow some degree of anonymity, which can mask the identity of the

perpetrators, and make it difficult to respond to incidents. Whereas perpetrators of

traditional bullying are able to see the reaction of the victim, those who cyberbully

cannot, and may be less likely to feel empathy or guilt over their actions. (National

Children’s Bureau, 2016)

Effects on Mental Health

Effects on Emotional well-being.

Social effect

REFERENCES

National Children’s Bureau, N. (2016). Anti- bullying Alliance. Retrieved from

Internetmatters.org: www.ncb.org.uk