Phone bullying: impact on self‐esteem and well‐being
Abstract
Purpose
Most current research emphasises the benefits of mobile communications for consumers. The purpose of this paper, however, is to investigate the neglected negative effect of “m‐bullying” on young consumers, to expand the understanding of the pervasive impact of enhanced mobile communication.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected using a cross‐sectional mall intercept method. The survey instrument comprised of sets of statements about the self and the experience of using mobile phones, followed by a set of demographic questions.
Findings
Findings indicate both genders experience m‐bullying and that levels of self‐esteem were found to have a direct effect on overall well being.
Originality/value
While prior research emphasised the positive aspects of enhanced connectivity, this paper advances understanding of the negative aspects of mobile communications and identified the risk of bullying inherent in continuous communication.
Keywords
Citation
Drennan, J., Brown, M.R. and Sullivan Mort, G. (2011), "Phone bullying: impact on self‐esteem and well‐being", Young Consumers, Vol. 12 No. 4, pp. 295-309. https://doi.org/10.1108/17473611111185850
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited