Running head: EFFECTS OF CYBERBULLYING
1
Effects of Cyberbullying on Adolescent Mental Health and Social Relationships
Jane Smith
Walden University
CYBERBULLYING AND ITS EFFECTS
2
Abstract
Cyberbullying among adolescents has become an increasing problem with the rise of social media and smartphones. While similar to traditional bullying, cyberbullying has distinguishing features that may amplify its negative effects. This paper reviews current research on the relationship between cyberbullying involvement and mental health, with a focus on symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as its effects on social relationships and functioning. Findings suggest that being a victim of cyberbullying is associated with increased rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and social-emotional problems. The anytime/anywhere nature of cyberbullying and ability to anonymously harass others may intensify these psychological and social issues. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Keywords: cyberbullying, adolescents, mental health, depression, anxiety, social relationships
Effects of Cyberbullying on Adolescent Mental Health and Social Relationships
Adolescence is a period defined by expanding social worlds and the forming of identity alongside peers. While social connection during this developmental period holds opportunities for growth, it also brings risks of harm from peers. One modern phenomenon that presents mental and social risks to adolescents is cyberbullying—the use of electronic communication to harass, threaten, or humiliate a targeted individual (Hinduja & Patchin, 2010). Recent estimates indicate that roughly one-third to one-half of adolescents have experienced some form of cyberbullying (Kowalski et al., 2014; Volk et al., 2014). Given the ubiquitous presence of smartphones and social media in adolescents’ lives, cyberbullying presents near-constant opportunities for harassment outside the school day. Such features distinguish cyberbullying from traditional bullying and raise serious concerns about its effects on vulnerable youth.
CYBERBULLYING AND ITS EFFECTS
3
This paper aims to review current research on the relationship between cyberbullying involvement and indicators of mental health and social well-being in adolescents. Specifically, associations with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts will be addressed, as well as impacts on social relationships and functioning. Understanding these connections could help inform prevention and intervention efforts aimed at reducing cyberbullying and mitigating its harmful consequences.
Mental Health Correlates of Cyberbullying
A growing body of research has examined links between cyberbullying involvement and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality in adolescents and young adults. Involvement is typically assessed either as the experience of being a cyberbully, cybervictim, or both.
Cybervictimization. Most studies have found victimization via cyberbullying to be significantly correlated with higher rates of depression and anxiety. One meta-analysis combined results from 23 studies and over 70,000 participants, finding a moderate to strong association between cybervictimization and symptoms of depression, and a moderate association with anxiety (Kowalski et al., 2014). In a representative survey of over 4,500 U.S. adolescents, those who reported cybervictimization were more likely to screen positive for major depression and to report feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness than non-victims (Hinduja & Patchin, 2010). Some research further distinguishes between victims who are also traditional bullies (“bully-victims”) versus “pure-victims”—with bully-victims reporting the most severe symptomology (Schneider et al., 2012).
The experience of being cyberbullied may intensify feelings of distress through its continuous and public nature. Cybervictims often do not have an escape from torment even in their own homes, and hurtful messages or images can be easily and quickly spread to a wide audience online. This may exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety through continuously thwarted feelings of safety, control and belonging. The anonymity online also allows perpetrators to harass others without concrete consequences, normalizing abusive behaviors and further damaging victims’ self-esteem and competence beliefs over time.
CYBERBULLYING AND ITS EFFECTS
4
Cyberbullying perpetration. Comparatively less research has evaluated mental health correlates of perpetrating cyberbullying acts independently of victimization. Preliminary studies indicate cyberbullying others is also associated with internalizing issues like depression and anxiety, albeit usually to a lesser degree than impacts on victims (Schneider et al., 2012). While cyberbullies may derive feelings of power or entertainment in the short-term from targeting others, chronic involvement in abusive behaviors likely takes a psychological toll over time by compromising empathy, relationships, and moral beliefs. Further, bully-victims who both perpetrate and experience bullying demonstrate the greatest dysfunction across multiple domains including substance use, school problems and suicidality (Hinduja & Patchin, 2017).
Suicidality. A growing concern surrounding cyberbullying relates to risk for suicidal behaviors among victims. Several studies have found experiences of cybervictimization to uniquely predict suicidal ideation and attempts even when accounting for traditional bullying and preexisting psychopathology (Hinduja & Patchin, 2010; Bonanno & Hymel, 2013). Volk et al. (2014) surveyed over 10,000 middle- and high-school students and found that cybervictimization was associated with a 35% increased odds of suicidal ideation, and an overwhelming 81% increased odds of suicide attempts. The correlation between cyberbullying and suicidality underscores the severe mental health toll that victimization can take, and warrants further research and preventive interventions.
Social Relationships and Functioning
Cyberbullying does not merely affect internal distress but also disrupts normal social-emotional development and relationships during adolescence. Using a large nationally representative sample, Bonanno and Hymel (2013) found victims of cyberbullying reported poorer relationships with peers and lower perceived social support than non-victims or traditional-only victims. Qualitative interviews further illustrate how cyberbullying leaves victims feeling socially isolated, distrustful of others, and unwilling to share online due to fears of renewed harassment (Price & Dalgleish, 2010).
CYBERBULLYING AND ITS EFFECTS
5
School functioning may also decline following cyberbullying experiences. Hinduja and Patchin (2017) found cybervictims reported missing more days of school in the past month and received slightly lower GPAs compared to non-victims. Perpetrators also showed poorer academic performance and attachment to school than non-involved peers. Such interferences with normal social and educational activities point to the pervasive nature in which cyberbullying disrupts adolescents’ lives and well-being even beyond the direct threats or insults.
As social networking comprises much of modern peer culture, cyberbullying effectively bars already vulnerable victims from full participation and validation within their peer networks. This may limit healthy identity development through social learning and peer attachments during a critical period. The constant potential for online humiliation could instill fears of further rejection, thwarting victims’ natural drive toward greater autonomy and competence as they mature into adulthood. On the other hand, cyberbullies who habitually violate others’ dignity online may stunt the growth of empathy critical for maintaining close relationships. Overall, cyberbullying appears antithetical to healthy social-emotional functioning in adolescence with potential long-term impacts.
Limitations and Future Directions
While cyberbullying research has advanced understanding of associated risks, certain limitations persist warranting further exploration. First, the cross-sectional nature of much research precludes inferences about causality or directionality in relationships identified. For instance, depression could increase susceptibly to cyberbullying, just as being bullied may cause depression. Longitudinal studies are needed to disentangle these temporal effects.
Secondly, much research relies on self-report surveys, which are subject to biases of inaccurate or socially desirable responding. Objective behavioral and school records could supplement self-reports. Thirdly, mediating or protective factors minimizing risks remain unclear. Variables like family support, coping styles, and individual resilience may mitigate harms of cyberbullying for some. Cultural and demographic differences in prevalence and effects also require deeper examination to inform targeted interventions.
CYBERBULLYING AND ITS EFFECTS
6
Finally, researchers are only beginning to explore the distinct psychological mechanisms through which cyberbullying influences mental health versus traditional bullying. Qualitative interviews exploring victims’ lived experiences could shed light on processes like constant access, anonymity of bullies, and public versus private nature of the attacks. Continued inquiry along these lines can strengthen prevention and treatment efforts tailored specifically for cyberbullying.
Conclusion
Research clearly links involvement in cyberbullying during adolescence to poorer mental health, social, and academic functioning. Experiencing victimization, in particular, is correlated with elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Cyberbullying also disrupts normal peer relationships and engagement in school—foundational for healthy development. While cause-and-effect relationships require further study, these findings stress the serious psychological toll of cyber-harassment during a vulnerable life stage and point to cyberbullying as a public health concern meriting urgent attention. Continued work identifying mediators and exploring cyberbullying’s unique mechanisms can aid the design of effective prevention strategies and interventions targeting this complex issue. With awareness of cyberbullying on the rise, alleviating its negative consequences among youth remains a critical priority.
Andrew Stroud