There Is Virtually No Excuse: The Frequency and Predictors of College Students' Bystander Intervention Behaviors Directed at Online Victimization

Violence Against Women. 2020 Apr;26(5):505-527. doi: 10.1177/1077801219835050. Epub 2019 Apr 2.

Abstract

Research shows that a large percentage of college students have experienced online victimization. However, bystander intervention behaviors directed at online contexts are absent from both the online victimization and bystander intervention research. With a sample of undergraduate college students, the current study explores the frequency and predictors of bystander intervention behaviors in response to online situations. Results show that a majority of students intervened during the past academic year when faced with the opportunity. Individuals with high self-control, who previously experienced online victimization, and/or witnessed positive peers' norms offline are more likely to intervene.

Keywords: bystander; college students; intervention; online victimization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Crime Victims / psychology
  • Crime Victims / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Helping Behavior
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Peer Group
  • Social Behavior*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Universities*
  • Young Adult