RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE AND CYBERBULLYING VICTIMIZATION ON INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

Background:

This study looked at how media use and being a victim of cyberbullying and violence between people are connected among young adults. Media use is a part of our lives now because a lot of people use Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook. Media use has changed the way we interact witheach other. We also get worried, about media use. How it can affect our minds and behavior. Media use is something we need to think about because it can affect adults and the way they behave.        

Method: A cross-sectional correlational research design of a quantitative nature was employed. The sample consisted of 249 people between the ages of 18 and 25 years, collected from Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan through a non-probabilistic convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using the Social Media Use Scale. (Tuck & Thompson, 2024), Cyber-Victimization Scale (CYBVICS; Buelga et al., 2019), and Dispute Tactics Scale (CTS; Straus, 1979).            

Results: The findings disclosed a significant helpful link between social networking sites engagement and experiences of online harassment, along with the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and occurrences of interpersonal aggression. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the utilization of social networking sites and online harassment was a strong forecaster of interpersonal violence, where cyberbullying victimization served as the a more significant indicator. However, no significant differences between genders were found in regarding social media use, experiences of cyberbullying, or interpersonal violence within the attendees.                                                                                           

Conclusion: The results indicate that when young adults are deeply engaged with media and encounter negative experiences related to cyberbullying, they tend to act in unkind ways. We must instruct individuals on media usage and put an end to cyberbullying. Online harassment impacts individuals' emotions and actions. We need to educate individuals about media to help them steer clear of cyberbullying and its negative consequences. If individuals exercise caution, there will be reduced cyberbullying on media. Cyberbullying is an issue that requires attention, and we must address it by educating individuals on social media usage and implementing measures to thwart cyberbullying. Individuals must recognize media to protect themselves and clear for the adverse influences of cyberbullying