Bystander Intervention in Cyberbullying. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brody, Nicholas; Vangelisti, Anita L.
• Is Part Of: Communication monographs. Volume 83:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 119
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Cyberbullying -- Bullying -- Computer-mediated Communication -- Bystander Intervention -- Anonymity; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.2
• DOI: 10.1080/03637751.2015.1044256
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-7751

Abstract

Abstract : Cyberbullying incidents often occur in the presence of other bystanders. The inaction of bystanders can augment the deleterious effects of bullying on a victim. However, bystanders can intervene to stop a cyberbullying incident or offer support to the victim. Two studies were conducted to examine variables that were expected to influence the propensity of a bystander to take action in cyberbullying incidents: the number of bystanders, the anonymity of the bystander, and the closeness between the bystander and the victim. Results supported the diffusion of responsibility effect. A higher number of bystanders was negatively associated with bystander intervention. Moreover, the perceived anonymity of bystanders was negatively related to the propensity to intervene, and closeness with the victim was associated with a greater tendency to intervene and support the victim. Altogether, the results shed light on the interplay of context, relationships, and technology in the behavior of bystanders to a cyberbullying episode.