Factors influencing cyberbullying among citizens: a systematic review of articles published in refereed journals from 2010 to 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Cyberbullying is a visible and prominent issue in today’s society. This study aims to identify factors influencing cyberbullying, discover its consequences on society, learn strategies and practices for dealing with cyberbullying and propose a framework to control cyberbullying in an online environment.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was applied to meet the study’s objectives as the research methodology. A total of 27 peer-reviewed journal papers covering the study’s variables were included to carry out the systematic review.
Findings
The findings of the study revealed that social media, advancement of technology, lack of awareness, negative use of technology and smartphones affected cyberbullying in society. The study also showed the psychological disasters of cyberbullying. Prominent psychological dangers of the cyberbullying included emotional, psychiatric, psychosomatic, mental aggression, delinquency, depression, psychological distress, frustration, isolation, violence, unhappiness, suicidal tendencies, inferiority complex, embarrassment, negative emotions, self-harming attitudes and the passions of revenge. It also provided key strategies to stop and control cyberbullying activities. Key strategies included digital literacy, social support, emotional management, strict cyber laws and effective training sessions.
Originality/value
The study has provided a framework to stop and control cyber bullying for social survival. The study has offered significant theoretical, social and practical implications.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors have not received financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article; however, the research team acknowledges and appreciates the provision of all possible cooperation and assistance of Prince Sultan University required to conduct the study.
The authors would like to acknowledge the support of Prince Sultan University, Riyadh.
Conflicts of interest: The research team does not have any conflicts of interest.
Citation
Shahzad, K., Khan, S.A., Javeed, A.M.D. and Iqbal, A. (2024), "Factors influencing cyberbullying among citizens: a systematic review of articles published in refereed journals from 2010 to 2023", Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-11-2023-0422
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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