The Dark Side of the Digital Age: Cyberbullying

The Dark Side of the Digital Age: Cyberbullying

What Is Cyberbullying? The Two Sides of Technology

Cyberbullying is carried out through computers and mobile phones. While the internet provides educational benefits such as social support, identity exploration, interpersonal relationships, the development of critical thinking skills, and easy and quick access to information, it also has another side. A large portion of young people see these electronic communication tools as essential in their social lives. Communication tools such as email, websites, messages, webcams, chat rooms, and social networking platforms have rapidly increased online social interaction.

Cyberbullying, also known as virtual bullying, is the intentional and repeated sending of hostile or threatening messages and images to others by an individual or a group through information and communication technologies.

Digital Security and Personal Data Violations

In cyberbullying cases, there is a high probability that the victim knows the bully or that the bully is someone from their close circle. When we grant access permissions such as microphone, camera, or gallery to applications we download for free, these data can easily be captured in the event of a cyberattack. With advancing technology, even a simple photo of our face can be manipulated and used to put us in very difficult situations.

The Dynamics of Bullying: Power, Ego, and Revenge

In cyberbullying, the individual in the role of the bully is often older or stronger than their peers. Power, ego, popularity, intelligence, gender, wealth, and race are all factors in bullying. Cyberbullying resembles traditional bullying and can occur repeatedly. Individuals who engage in cyberbullying may do so to hurt others’ feelings or simply as a joke. Sometimes, victims themselves may engage in bullying as an act of revenge. It can also be an attempt to display technological power and skills.

Differences Between Physical and Digital Bullying

Traditional bullying requires a physical environment. The lack of such a requirement in cyberbullying makes it more difficult to track and identify the perpetrator. Approximately 40–50% of victims know the person who is harming them. Anonymity encourages aggressors, as they do not fear being caught, and prevents them from receiving feedback since they cannot see the victim’s reactions, limiting their ability to empathize. For victims, an unknown enemy can be more frightening. Anonymity creates a space where bullies act in ways they would not in real life.

Cyberbullying Among Youth: Statistics

In a study conducted with 269 Turkish students aged 12–19, 36% of the participants reported engaging in bullying behaviors online. Among them, 24% had both bully and victim roles, while 6% identified themselves solely as victims. Additionally, 23.7% of the students stated that they were disturbed via mobile phones. A significant correlation was found between the frequency of internet use and exposure to harassment.

In another study conducted with 695 university students, 19.7% reported that they had bullied someone at least once in their lifetime, 54.4% had been victims at least once, and 17.7% had experienced both roles. Research conducted in both private and public schools in Türkiye found no significant gender differences in terms of both bullying and victimization, although males were found to be slightly more involved in bullying behaviors.

Psychological Effects and Behavioral Problems

Students exposed to cyberbullying often experience intense feelings such as anxiety and fear. Children who experience cyberbullying are more likely to exhibit school-related behavioral problems such as skipping school, absenteeism, or even bringing weapons to school. Cyberbullying is also associated with increased rates of depression, substance use, and criminal behavior among young people.

Young individuals who engage in cyberbullying tend to show higher levels of rule-breaking and aggressive behavior. Both victims and perpetrators exhibit more psychiatric symptoms compared to those who have not experienced bullying. These symptoms may include hostile feelings and psychotic indicators.

The Role of Parents and Solutions

This situation places significant responsibility on parents. It is very important for parents to monitor the websites their children visit. They can block access to sites they deem inappropriate. Children who are exposed to cyberbullying may feel ashamed and hide the situation from their parents as if it were a crime. In such cases, unusual behavior, fear, and anxiety should be taken seriously, and professional support should be sought if necessary.

As technology continues to evolve, cyberbullying will appear in new forms. However, the solution remains in our hands; by monitoring and reporting such incidents to the relevant authorities, there is no problem that cannot be addressed.