Cyberbullying via social media and well-being

Gary W Giumetti; Robin M Kowalski

doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101314

Cyberbullying via social media and well-being

Curr Opin Psychol. 2022 Jun:45:101314. doi: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101314. Epub 2022 Feb 19.

Authors

Gary W Giumetti¹, Robin M Kowalski²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, Quinnipiac University, 275 Mount Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518, USA. Electronic address: gary.giumetti@quinnipiac.edu.
² Department of Psychology, Clemson University, 418 Brackett Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.

PMID: 35313180
DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101314

Abstract

In this article, we review research examining cyberbullying via social media among youth and adults and the relationship such behavior has with well-being. We report on several possible predictors of cyberbullying via social media, including indiscreet posting, time spent on social media, and personality traits. We also highlight possible negative effects on well-being that may be linked with cyberbullying via social media, including psychological distress, decreased life satisfaction, and suicidal ideation. We conclude the review with ideas for prevention and intervention, including the use of cyberbullying detection software to encourage users to think twice before posting a cyberbullying message. We also highlight several limitations with the existing research and provide some suggestions for future research opportunities.

Keywords: Cyberbullying; Predictors and outcomes; Prevention and intervention; Social media; Well-being.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Bullying* / psychology
Crime Victims* / psychology
Cyberbullying* / psychology
Humans
Social Media*
Suicidal Ideation