1
Dharna Patel
GE 2024 Research and Technology
Professor Nkansah
Annotated Bibliography
A Research Study on the Negative Effects of Social Media and Cyberbullying amongst Teenagers in the
United States
2
Annotated Bibliography
Garett, R., Lord, L., & Young, S. (2016). Associations between social media and
cyberbullying: a review of the literature. Mhealth, 2, 46-46. doi:
10.21037/mhealth.2016.12.01
The article is a relevant asset in studying the adverse effects of cyberbullying amongst
teenagers in the US because it borrows from different pieces of literature to establish the
magnitude of the vice. The article emphasizes the numerous mental health problems caused by
cyberbullying among the youth. The article associates cyberbullying with such problems as
suicidal thoughts, psychological, and developmental challenges. However, it reiterates the
infancy of cyberbullying and cites it as a primary reason for the existence of its universal
definition and prevalence among the youth. Furthermore, the study was based on social media as
the main medium through which cyberbullying is implemented. To achieve valid conclusions
regarding the topic, the researchers set out to achieve two objectives; clarification of the traits of
the perpetrators of the vice, and identification of the various instruments used as metrics of
cyberbullying on the social media in a bid to establish their effects on the victims’ well-being.
Mendez-Baldwin, M., Cirillo, K., Ferrigno, M., & Argento, V. (2015). Cyber Bullying
Among Teens. Journal Of Bullying And Social Aggression, 1(1). Retrieved from
http://sites.tamuc.edu/bullyingjournal/article/cyber-bullying-among-teens/
The research aims at establishing the extent to which American adolescents are
vulnerable to cyberbullying as well as their behavioral attitudes towards the vice. To achieve its
objective, the research was centered on high school students. It also examined the different ways
3
in which adolescents faced cyberbullying and their possibility of discussing such experiences
with other individuals such as their guardians and teachers. As a result, the study reinforced the
association between social media and cyberbullying by concluding that the vulnerability of
adolescents to cyberbullying was positively correlated to the number of social media networks
they used. The study established that parent figures play a critical role in determining the
exposure and experience of cyberbullying and that a third of the young people in the USA have
experienced cyberbullying at least once in their lives. Regarding the adverse effects, the research
established that cyberbullying is a pivotal contributor to anxiety, depression, and suicidal
thoughts among teenagers.
Li, Q. (2007). New bottle but old wine: A research of cyberbullying in schools. Computers
In Human Behavior, 23(4), 1777-1791. doi: 10.1016/j.chb.2005.10.005
The study surveyed 177 students in a bid to ascertain the nature and degree of how
adolescents go through cyberbullying. It begins by defining the term in a bid to shed light to its
topic. It established that approximately 60% of the victims of cyberbullying are female
adolescents while the male adolescents make up approximately 52% of the perpetrators of the
vice. It also argues that most victims of cyberbullying fail to report the incidents, thus increasing
its prevalence. The relevance of the article in this study is centered on the fact that it establishes
the various forms taken by the vice and its complex nature. It further reiterates that the increased
sophistication of the vice is a major reason for difficulties in combatting its adverse effects.
Therefore, the article forms a basis for the examination of cyberbullying among the youth and
the dynamic nature in which it presents itself; thus, making it a hard nut to crack.
Nixon, C. (2014). Current perspectives: the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent
health. Adolescent Health, Medicine And Therapeutics, 143. doi: 10.2147/ahmt.s36456
4
The article opens by highlighting the fact that the adverse health effects of cyberbullying
among adolescents across the world have become a major issue that deserves further studies. To
prove the increasing health challenges caused by cyberbullying among the youth, the study
explores different pieces of literature on the effects of cyberbullying among the youth as a firm
basis for providing insights for future studies. From the different literature reviewed in the study,
it is evident that cyberbullying causes massive adverse effects on the health and well-being of
teenagers. Most teenagers who experience cyberbullying have continuously exhibited negative
health indices as evidenced by the escalation of such conditions as depressive effects, loneliness,
and somatic attributes among other adverse conditions. It also argues that the perpetrators of the
vice are often associated with delinquent and aggressive behaviors or extreme drug and
substance abuse. According to the article, moderating processes are strong influencers of the
relationship between cyberbullying and adolescent health.
Vaillancourt, T., Faris, R., & Mishna, F. (2016). Cyberbullying in Children and Youth:
Implications for Health and Clinical Practice. The Canadian Journal Of
Psychiatry, 62(6), 368-373. doi: 10.1177/0706743716684791
The article presents the effects of cyberbullying on a dynamic scope by examining them
among children and youth. The study explored different literature on cyberbullying and how it
results in different effects on the victims. The authors of the article also included the
corresponding dynamism of traditional bullying as a powerful accelerator of cyberbullying,
which makes it a highly destructive feature which is not readily identifiable. It also attributes the
increased cyberbullying to the increased possibility of individuals to act anonymously over long
distances. The article argues that cyberbullying can be perpetrated by a wide range of actors who
may be known or unknown to the victim. Due to the nature of cyberbullying and dynamism of
5
the perpetrators, schools are often faced with massive difficulties in their efforts to detect and
prevent cyberbullying. Cyberbullying poses massive health threats to the victims; therefore, the
researchers conclude by encouraging health practitioners to conduct regular screening for such
effects.
Lindert, J. (2017). Cyber-bullying and its impact on mental health. European Journal Of
Public Health, 27(suppl_3). doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx187.581
The author of the article sought to establish the different ways in which cyberbullying
affects the wellness of the human mind. As such, the article starts by terming cyberbullying as a
major global challenge whose adverse effects on the youth are inevitable. Cyberbullying can
emerge from the use of the Internet, cell phones, and other communication devices through
which different forms of messages can be transmitted with the aim of hurting or embarrassing
the recipient. The complexity and technicality of cyberbullying make it difficult for its victims to
detect or realize it when it occurs. The situation creates a great need for the formulation of a
different mechanism to detect symptoms of cyberbullying and prevent it or mitigate its effects
among the youth. However, the study concluded that cyberbullying is a major contributor to
depressive symptoms, anxiety, and other self-harming actions by the victim. Therefore, the youth
should be enlightened on the different ways of detecting the vice and avoiding or dealing with its
adverse effects.
Patchin, J., & Hinduja, S. (2013). Cyberbullying Among Adolescents: Implications for
Empirical Research. Journal Of Adolescent Health, 53(4), 431-432. doi:
10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.07.030
6
The article examines the causative agents and effects of cyberbullying among teenagers
by arguing that the topic has been extensively researched over the last decades. However, it
points out that the existing literature on the topic is faced with methodological shortcomings as a
result of the constant evolution of technology. It further explores the extent to which
cyberbullying is correlated to the emergence and persistence of psychological and behavioral
problems among the victim adolescents. The research complimented previous studies by
concluding that cyberbullying results in adverse health effects on teenage victims. The study
questions the link of cyberbullying to the emergence and persistence of depression among the
victims. Therefore, it argues that cyberbullying is a complex topic which should be carefully
examined and addressed by all humans in a bid to understand and minimize its adverse effects.
Provision of relevant information to different stakeholders such as parents and policymakers
would positively contribute to the reduction of cyberbullying and its effects among adolescents.
Ferreira, T., & Deslandes, S. (2018). Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying: concepts, dynamics,
characters, and health implications. Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, 23(10), 3369-3379. doi:
10.1590/1413-812320182310.13482018
The relevance of the article in this study was based on the fact that it was an evaluation of
various bibliographical works by other researchers in the past in a bid to ascertain the
community’s understanding of cyberbullying. It also sought to understand the community’s
conceptualization of cyberbullying, the description of its dynamics, identifying characters, and
the actual health statuses of the victims as well as the perpetrators. Despite being informative, the
article confirmed previous assertions that previous studies have failed to arrive at a consensus
regarding the concept; however, various claims have been verified that cyberbullying is specific
and differentiated. The article also ascertained that cyberbullying could be launched across the
7
globe without any physical or geographical restrictions; especially due to the increased use of the
Internet and other communication technologies. Also, the intensity and length of its impacts
undetermined. The article ascertained that all victims of cyberbullying, regardless of their
gender, experience adverse effects on their psychological and behavioral health.
Greenfield, S. (2015). The Internet Has Changed Bullying- For The Worse. Retrieved from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/mind-change/201512/the-internet-haschanged-bullying-the-worse
In a bid to explain the adverse effects of cyberbullying, the article based its argument on the fact
that the development of the Internet has acted as an active revolutionary for the adverse effects of
bullying. To ascertain the claim that the Internet has contributed to the negative transformation
of cyberbullying, the author linked the use of social networking sites to cyberbullying. It argues
that the use of social networking sites could be of some benefits to the users; however,
cyberbullying is a significant downside of the increased use of social media networks. The threat
posed by cyberbullying does not select the ages or gender of the victims. Moreover, the article
concludes by confirming the pervasiveness of the threat posed by cyberbullying to the safety and
health of teenagers. The article extends its horizons to highlight that most cyberbullying cases
are associated with issues pertaining to human relationships; especially intimate ones. It also
explores the motivations underlying cyberbullying.
John, A., Glendenning, A., Marchant, A., Montgomery, P., Stewart, A., & Wood, S. et al.
(2018). Self-Harm, Suicidal Behaviours, and Cyberbullying in Children and Young
People: Systematic Review. Journal Of Medical Internet Research, 20(4), e129. doi:
10.2196/jmir.9044
8
The article was based on results obtained from an experiment conducted through an electronic
literature search for all studies completed in the period between 1996 and 2017; across various
academic databases. The study aimed at establishing how cyberbullying among people under the
age of twenty-five years was related to behavioral orientations, self-harm, and suicidal behaviors.
The article was based on meta-analyses of the data extracted from the studies examined. Having
explored information contained in 33 articles, the study reviewed research outcomes for 156,384
teenagers presented in 25 articles. The analysis of the different studies evaluated in the study
revealed that the prevalence of cyberbullying among young people is directly related to
behavioral disorders such as self-harm and suicidal ideation. It also highlighted that the risk of
developing suicidal behaviors was evident among the perpetrators as well as the victims. At the
end of the article, the researchers recommended that future studies should aim at unearthing the
concept from perspectives of involvement, gender, and frequency.
Peebles, E. (2014). Cyberbullying: Hiding behind the screen. Paediatrics & Child
Health, 19(10), 527-528. doi: 10.1093/pch/19.10.527
The article serves as a reliable source of information about the persistence of cyberbullying in
among teenagers and its numerous adverse effects. It also reiterates the role played by
technological developments and the Internet in enabling the perpetrators of cyberbullying to act
anonymously; a concept referred to as “hiding behind the screen” by the researcher. From the
article, it is evident that cyberbullying can be launched in different forms, including harassment,
victimization, rumor mongering, trickery, impersonation, and vulgarity among other forms.
Further, the perpetrators of cyberbullying may launch their activities through different platforms
such as text messages via mobile phones, email, and different social media networking sites. The
article contributes to the central theme of the paper by discussing the potential effects of
9
cyberbullying. As such, it begins by highlighting that the affected teenagers rarely report their
experiences. Therefore, cyberbullying results in numerous adverse effects on the victim and the
perpetrator. The intensification of the adverse effects is amplified by frequency, severity, and
duration of cyberbullying. Overall, the article highlights various adverse effects on the health,
behavior, and psychology of the victims and the bullies.
10
References
Garett, R., Lord, L., & Young, S. (2016). Associations between social media and cyberbullying:
a review of the literature. Mhealth, 2, 46-46. doi: 10.21037/mhealth.2016.12.01
Ferreira, T., & Deslandes, S. (2018). Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying: concepts, dynamics,
characters, and health implications. Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, 23(10), 3369-3379. doi:
10.1590/1413-812320182310.13482018
Greenfield, S. (2015). The Internet Has Changed Bullying- For The Worse. Retrieved from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/mind-change/201512/the-internet-has-changedbullying-the-worse
John, A., Glendenning, A., Marchant, A., Montgomery, P., Stewart, A., & Wood, S. et al. (2018).
Self-Harm, Suicidal Behaviours, and Cyberbullying in Children and Young People:
Systematic Review. Journal Of Medical Internet Research, 20(4), e129. doi:
10.2196/jmir.9044
Li, Q. (2007). New bottle but old wine: A research of cyberbullying in schools. Computers In
Human Behavior, 23(4), 1777-1791. doi: 10.1016/j.chb.2005.10.005
Lindert, J. (2017). Cyber-bullying and its impact on mental health. European Journal Of Public
Health, 27(suppl_3). doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx187.581
Mendez-Baldwin, M., Cirillo, K., Ferrigno, M., & Argento, V. (2015). Cyber Bullying Among
Teens. Journal Of Bullying And Social Aggression, 1(1). Retrieved from
http://sites.tamuc.edu/bullyingjournal/article/cyber-bullying-among-teens/
11
Nixon, C. (2014). Current perspectives: the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent
health. Adolescent Health, Medicine And Therapeutics, 143. doi: 10.2147/ahmt.s36456
Patchin, J., & Hinduja, S. (2013). Cyberbullying Among Adolescents: Implications for Empirical
Research. Journal Of Adolescent Health, 53(4), 431-432. doi:
10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.07.030
Peebles, E. (2014). Cyberbullying: Hiding behind the screen. Paediatrics & Child
Health, 19(10), 527-528. doi: 10.1093/pch/19.10.527
Vaillancourt, T., Faris, R., & Mishna, F. (2016). Cyberbullying in Children and Youth:
Implications for Health and Clinical Practice. The Canadian Journal Of Psychiatry, 62(6),
368-373. doi: 10.1177/0706743716684791
1
Dharna Patel
GE 2024 Research and Technology
Professor Nkansah
Literature Review
A Research Study on the Negative Effects of Social Media and Cyberbullying amongst Teenagers in the
United States
LITERATURE REVIEW
2
Literature Review
Prevalence of Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a recent concept that has been extensively studied by different scholars
in a bid to establish a holistic understanding of its effects; especially among teenagers. However,
different studies have been faced with various methodological challenges in the study of
cyberbullying and how it affects the youth due to its firm foundations in technological
developments (Patchin & Hinduja, 2013). Multiple ill-motives motivate the perpetrators of
cyberbullying against their targets; such as harassment, embarrassment, and intimidation. To
achieve their objectives, cyber-bullies exploit different platforms such as cell phones and social
media to reach their victims (Lindert, 2017). The persistence of cyberbullying in the modern
world is pacified by the increased use of the Internet and other communication channels. For
instance, the use of social media has been highlighted as the most significant avenue for
experiencing cyberbullying among teenagers. On the other hand, Greenfield (2015) argues that
the Internet has contributed to the negative transformation of cyberbullying by providing
multiple services for the vice to be executed. As such, Mendez-Baldwin et al., (2015) established
that the extent to which teenagers are vulnerable to cyberbullying is highly determined by the
number of social media networks used by an individual. The argument implies that teenagers
who use many social networks are exposed to higher chances of being bullied compared to those
using a single platform.
Mendez-Baldwin, et al., (2015) and Li (2007) associated the increased rampancy of
cyberbullying to the fact that most teenage victims do not share such experiences with their
LITERATURE REVIEW
3
parents, guardians, and teachers for assistance. Another potent explanation for the increased
cases of cyberbullying is its high level of complexity which makes it hard to detect, prevent, or
control. The use of Internet technologies enables the perpetrators of cyberbullying to execute
their activities across the world anonymously and technically to the extent that some victims fail
to realize that they are being bullied (Vaillancourt, Faris & Mishna, 2016). According to Peebles
(2014), Internet enables perpetrators of cyberbullying to hide behind the screen. As a result of
the increased rampancy and complexity of cyberbullying in the US, as well as the massive ill
motives of the perpetrators; it is evident that it results in numerous adverse effects on the victim
teenagers.
Adverse Effects of Cyberbullying o Teenagers
To highlight the negative effects of cyberbullying on the teenage victims in the United
States of America, Lindert (2017) researched to establish the adverse effects of cyberbullying on
teenage victims. The increased technological developments and the increased use of the Internet
have contributed significantly to the emergence of cyberbullying as a big challenge for the entire
world due to the numerous adverse effects on the mental well-being of teenagers. Lindert’s
argument that cyberbullying adversely affects the mental well-being of teenagers is rooted in the
ill motives of the perpetrators. He noted that the different messages transmitted by cyber-bullies
are aimed at embarrassing and hurting the victim upon receipt.
Among the most identifiable adverse effects of cyberbullying on the mental health of
teenagers in America are the increased levels of depressive symptoms (Patchin & Hinduja,
2013). Depression among teenagers as a result of cyberbullying can be exhibited in different
forms, including mood instability, unpleasant feelings, and lack of interest, increased guilt, and
LITERATURE REVIEW
4
withdrawal symptoms. The victims of cyberbullying are always got by surprise because they
never plan to undergo the ordeal. For instance, a teenager using different social media platforms
may be motivated by the need to make friends and chat with them. However, the manifestation
of cyberbullying on such an individual may have devastating effects which could plunge them
into depression. According to Li (2007), the manifestation of depression among teenage victims
of cyberbullying is associated with the fact that most of them never report or share such
experiences with their peers, parents, or teachers for assistance. On the other hand, depression
among teenagers may be characterized by guilt which also deters them from reporting such cases
to people who may assist them. As a result, their cognition is blurred by thoughts of the
experience which may drive them to withdrawal. Overall, Ferreira & Deslandes (2018) confirm
the adverse health effects of cyberbullying on its victims by associating it with deteriorating
mental and physical health.
Cyberbullying among teenagers in the US has also been attributed to adverse effects on
their physical health (Nixon, 2014). According to Nixon (2014), cyberbullying is associated with
significant adverse health indices among teenagers. The aggressive behavior of the perpetrators
of cyberbullying could hinder the ability of a teenager to engage in healthy practices such as
eating and exercising as a result of stressful thoughts. As a result, cyberbullying victims have
been associated with poor health conditions such as malnutrition and obesity. Therefore, the
negative impacts of cyberbullying among US teenagers exceed their mental health to
physiological well-being. Poor health outcomes as a result of cyberbullying have also been
identified among the perpetrators who are mostly associated with drug and substance
dependence.
LITERATURE REVIEW
5
Increased use of social media exposes the youth to increased risks of being bullied online;
an event which has been blamed for the increased behavioral health disorders and the emergence
of recurrent suicidal behavior (Garett, Lord & Young, 2016). Most teenage victims of
cyberbullying have frequently reported many cases of self-injury and suicidal ideation. Because
the victims may be critically embarrassed by their experiences such as the leakage of photoshopped photos of their nudity, they may lose self-esteem and the desire to live anymore due to
the possible shame that may emanate from such an event. As a result, teenagers who experience
cyberbullying have continuously been identified with constant attempts to commit suicide in a
bid to evade the intensification of the ordeal in their minds. Association between cyberbullying
and suicidal behavior is also confirmed by John et al. (2018); who argue that the vice makes its
victims hopeless in life, thus preferring to take thir lives. Behavioral health problems among US
teenagers as a result of cyberbullying has also been associated with the high tendencies of failing
to report their experiences to the appropriate people such as parents or teachers (Li, 2007).
Failure to report such experiences implies that teenagers are unable to receive any assistance in
the form of psychological or moral support. As such, they harbor their pain inside their souls for
a certain period before it overpowers them, and the development of suicidal thoughts begins.
The grievous nature of the effects of cyberbullying among the US teenagers is also
evidenced by the increased development problems and other psychological challenges such as
anxiety and increased aggression characterized by violent behavior (Li, 2007). It is critical to
highlight that cyberbullying may serve as a stressor or an adverse stimulator of the teenager's
emotional stability. As such, cyberbullying, especially in schools, has been associated with the
occurrence of numerous cases of violence and face-to-face confrontations. It has also been
reported to cause physical altercations among the victims. As a result of the anxiety triggered by
LITERATURE REVIEW
6
cyberbullying, teenagers may eventually develop other complications such as PSTD, and
generalized anxiety disorder. Post-traumatic disorder among victim teenagers is strongly tied to
the trauma induced by the previous experience as a result of cyberbullying. Generalized anxiety
disorder, on the other hand, leads to personal distraction from their routine activities as a result of
the high level of worries caused by cyberbullying.
Conclusion
From the literature review, it is evident that massive research studies have been
conducted over the years by different scholars to establish the correlation of cyberbullying and
different adverse effects on teenagers. To arrive at their conclusions, different researchers set out
to define the concept and unearth its complexity to find out the ways through which it is
executed, the most vulnerable individuals, and the most gullible perpetrators. Cyberbullying has
been labeled as a complicated concept because it is technology-driven and the Internet offers
lucrative opportunities for the perpetrators to launch different attacks anonymously and without
being detected by the victims in some cases. Social media use has been highlighted as the most
common way through which teenagers fall victims of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is also
intensified by the fact that most teenage victims do not report their experiences due to fear of
shame in society or intimidation. Therefore, cyberbullying results in various adverse effects on
the teenagers; some of which are short-term while others are life-long burdens. Cyberbullying
has been blamed for the emergence of depressive symptoms among the youth as well as other
psychological, mental, and developmental health problems. For instance, cyberbullying has been
associated with increased suicidal ideation cases among the victim teenagers due to the stress
imposed on their minds by the ordeal. It may also cause different types of anxiety, self-harming
tendencies, and aggression among the victims. Due to the numerous adverse effects of
LITERATURE REVIEW
7
cyberbullying among teenagers, it is crucial that all stakeholders prioritize the need to combat the
problem. There is a need for the enactment of proper regulations to govern the use of different
media. The youth should also be educated on how to avoid or cope with cases or attempts of
cyberbullying.
LITERATURE REVIEW
8
References
Garett, R., Lord, L., & Young, S. (2016). Associations between social media and cyberbullying:
a review of the literature. Mhealth, 2, 46-46. doi: 10.21037/mhealth.2016.12.01
Ferreira, T., & Deslandes, S. (2018). Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying: concepts, dynamics,
characters, and health implications. Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, 23(10), 3369-3379. doi:
10.1590/1413-812320182310.13482018
Greenfield, S. (2015). The Internet Has Changed Bullying- For The Worse. Retrieved from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/mind-change/201512/the-internet-has-changedbullying-the-worse
John, A., Glendenning, A., Marchant, A., Montgomery, P., Stewart, A., & Wood, S. et al. (2018).
Self-Harm, Suicidal Behaviours, and Cyberbullying in Children and Young People:
Systematic Review. Journal Of Medical Internet Research, 20(4), e129. doi:
10.2196/jmir.9044
Li, Q. (2007). New bottle but old wine: A research of cyberbullying in schools. Computers In
Human Behavior, 23(4), 1777-1791. doi: 10.1016/j.chb.2005.10.005
Lindert, J. (2017). Cyber-bullying and its impact on mental health. European Journal Of Public
Health, 27(suppl_3). doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx187.581
Mendez-Baldwin, M., Cirillo, K., Ferrigno, M., & Argento, V. (2015). Cyber Bullying Among
Teens. Journal Of Bullying And Social Aggression, 1(1). Retrieved from
http://sites.tamuc.edu/bullyingjournal/article/cyber-bullying-among-teens/
LITERATURE REVIEW
9
Nixon, C. (2014). Current perspectives: the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent
health. Adolescent Health, Medicine And Therapeutics, 143. doi: 10.2147/ahmt.s36456
Patchin, J., & Hinduja, S. (2013). Cyberbullying Among Adolescents: Implications for Empirical
Research. Journal Of Adolescent Health, 53(4), 431-432. doi:
10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.07.030
Peebles, E. (2014). Cyberbullying: Hiding behind the screen. Paediatrics & Child
Health, 19(10), 527-528. doi: 10.1093/pch/19.10.527
Vaillancourt, T., Faris, R., & Mishna, F. (2016). Cyberbullying in Children and Youth:
Implications for Health and Clinical Practice. The Canadian Journal Of Psychiatry, 62(6),
368-373. doi: 10.1177/0706743716684791
1
Dharna Patel
GE 2024 Research and Technology
Professor Nkansah
Research Problem Statement
A Research Study on the Negative Effects of Social Media and Cyberbullying amongst Teenagers in the
United States
2
Introduction (Research Problem and Questions)
Research Problem
Today’s increased utilization of the Internet and a wide variety of communication devices
by teenagers in the US, cyberbullying has emerged as a severe issue experienced by a significant
proportion of the youths. Teenagers have been characterized by extended use of individual
communication devices through which they can send and receive different message contents
across long distances. The social media has been highlighted explicitly by many researchers as
the primary platform on which cyberbullying is executed. Mendez-Baldwin et al., (2015)
discovered that the vulnerability of teenagers to cyberbullying was directly related to the number
of social media used by specific youths; with those using multiple platforms being at higher risks
of being bullied online. Patchin & Hinduja, 2013 (2018) established that approximately 56% of
the teenagers in the United States have experienced cyberbullying as a way of reiterating the
increasing occurrences of the vice. According to Vaillancourt, Faris & Mishna (2016),
cyberbullying on the Internet is aggravated by the possibility of different actors to act
anonymously across distant places to harass others on the Internet. Other cyber-bullies target
unsuspecting victims within proximity such as intimate friends over the Internet with the aim of
bullying them. Moreover, Patchin & Hinduja (2013) argue that cyberbullying has emerged as a
complicated complex in modern society due to the continuous evolution of technology; which
poses methodological challenges to its control and prevention. The manifestation of
cyberbullying among teenagers is aggravated by the fact that most victims fail to report such
incidences to their teachers, parents, and guardians.
3
While some researchers have concentrated on explaining the methodological complexity
of cyberbullying, it has been established that such sophistication empowers the vice to trigger
numerous effects on the teenage victims. In its fundamental definition, cyberbullying is
motivated towards harassment of hurting the victim (Patchin & Hinduja, 2013). Drawing from
the ill motives of the perpetrators, it is evident that cyberbullying results in numerous effects on
the victim teenagers in the United States of America. It is also imperative to highlight that
different researchers have ventured into studying the topic in a bid to establish the actual adverse
effects of cyberbullying on US teenagers (Patchin & Hinduja, 2013). Different pieces of
literature have been authored by different researchers on the different ways through which the
teenagers are adversely affected by cyberbullying. Due to the complex nature of cyberbullying
among US teenagers, as informed by the fact that it involves extensive use of technology, which
is continuously evolving, there is a need to conduct thorough research in a bid to ascertain how it
adversely affects the victim teenagers.
Research Questions
To accomplish the objectives of the research, the paper will be centered on various
research questions aimed at unearthing the mystery behind cyberbullying and its adverse effects
on American teenagers. First, the research will seek to answer the question, “why has
cyberbullying persisted in the recent past such that it tends to evolve with time?” The second
research question will be, “How does cyberbullying occur and what makes teenagers highly
vulnerable?" The research will also seek to explain how cyberbullying affects teenagers
negatively. Finally, the paper will aim at explaining how cyberbullying can be controlled,
prevented, or managed in a bid to minimize or eliminate its adverse effects on teenagers. To
4
arrive at a reliable conclusion by responding appropriately to the research questions, the text will
be based on various academic literature pieces on previous research about the topic.
5
References
Mendez-Baldwin, M., Cirillo, K., Ferrigno, M., & Argento, V. (2015). Cyber Bullying Among
Teens. Journal Of Bullying And Social Aggression, 1(1). Retrieved from
http://sites.tamuc.edu/bullyingjournal/article/cyber-bullying-among-teens/
Patchin, J., & Hinduja, S. (2013). Cyberbullying Among Adolescents: Implications for Empirical
Research. Journal Of Adolescent Health, 53(4), 431-432. doi:
10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.07.030
Vaillancourt, T., Faris, R., & Mishna, F. (2016). Cyberbullying in Children and Youth:
Implications for Health and Clinical Practice. The Canadian Journal Of Psychiatry, 62(6),
368-373. doi: 10.1177/0706743716684791
Running head: SOCIAL MEDIA AND CYBERBULLYING
A Research Study on the Negative Effects of Social Media and Cyberbullying amongst
Teenagers in the United States
Name
Institution
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SOCIAL MEDIA AND CYBERBULLYING
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A Research Study on the Negative Effects of Social Media and Cyberbullying amongst
Teenagers in the United States
Introduction (Research Problem and Questions)
Today’s increased utilization of the Internet and a wide variety of communication devices
by teenagers in the US, cyberbullying has emerged as a severe issue experienced by a significant
proportion of the youths. Teenagers have been characterized by extended use of individual
communication devices through which they can send and receive different message contents
across long distances. The social media has been highlighted explicitly by many researchers as
the primary platform on which cyberbullying is executed. Mendez-Baldwin et al., (2015)
discovered that the vulnerability of teenagers to cyberbullying was directly related to the number
of social media used by specific youths; with those using multiple platforms being at higher risks
of being bullied online (Garett, Lord, & Young, 2016). Anderson (2018) established that
approximately 56% of the teenagers in the United States have experienced cyberbullying as a
way of reiterating the increasing occurrences of the vice. According to Vaillancourt, Faris &
Mishna (2016), cyberbullying on the Internet is aggravated by the possibility of different actors
to act anonymously across distant places to harass others on the Internet. Other cyber-bullies
target unsuspecting victims within proximity such as intimate friends over the Internet with the
aim of bullying them. Moreover, Patchin & Hinduja (2013) argue that cyberbullying has
emerged as a complicated complex in modern society due to the continuous evolution of
technology; which poses methodological challenges to its control and prevention. The
manifestation of cyberbullying among teenagers is aggravated by the fact that most victims fail
to report such incidences to their teachers, parents, and guardians.
While some researchers have concentrated on explaining the methodological complexity
of cyberbullying, it has been established that such sophistication empowers the vice to trigger
numerous effects on the teenage victims. In its fundamental definition, cyberbullying is
motivated towards harassment of hurting the victim (Anderson, 2018). Drawing from the ill
motives of the perpetrators, it is evident that cyberbullying results in numerous effects on the
victim teenagers in the United States of America. It is also imperative to highlight that different
researchers have ventured into studying the topic in a bid to establish the actual adverse effects
of cyberbullying on US teenagers (Anderson, 2018). Different pieces of literature have been
authored by different researchers on the different ways through which the teenagers are
adversely affected by cyberbullying. Due to the complex nature of cyberbullying among US
teenagers, as informed by the fact that it involves extensive use of technology, which is
continuously evolving, there is a need to conduct thorough research in a bid to ascertain how it
adversely affects the victim teenagers.
To accomplish the objectives of the research, the paper will be centered on various
research questions aimed at unearthing the mystery behind cyberbullying and its adverse effects
on American teenagers. First, the research will seek to answer the question, “why has
cyberbullying persisted in the recent past such that it tends to evolve with time?” The second
research question will be, “How does cyberbullying occur and what makes teenagers highly
vulnerable?" The research will also seek to explain how cyberbullying affects teenagers
negatively. Finally, the paper will aim at explaining how cyberbullying can be controlled,
prevented, or managed in a bid to minimize or eliminate its adverse effects on teenagers. To
SOCIAL MEDIA AND CYBERBULLYING
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arrive at a reliable conclusion by responding appropriately to the research questions, the text will
be based on various academic literature pieces on previous research about the topic.
Literature review
Cyberbullying and its adverse effects on teenagers (in the US) have become common
topics in academia over the recent past due to the increased prevalence of the vice as well as a
teenage vulnerability as a result in the constant global technological developments. The
increased utilization of modern technology; especially through the Internet, he increased use of
Internet and other modern communication technologies have been continuously blamed for the
increased cases of cyberbullying among teenagers (Mendez-Baldwin, et, al. 2015). For instance,
the increased use of social media by teenagers has been labeled as the highest contributor to
cyberbullying. Mendez-Baldwin, et, al. (2015) concluded that the higher the number of social
media platforms on which teenagers were present, the higher their chances of experiencing
cyberbullying due to their increased exposure to the perpetrators. Greenfield (2015) reinforced
the link between the Internet, social media, and increased cases of cyberbullying by arguing that
the two technological developments have transformed continuously cyberbullying to a worse
force in the society compared to previous days. According to Peebles (2014), cyberbullying is
among the most complex phenomena in the modern world due to that it is mainly driven by
technology. Peebles (2014) coined the statement that the presence of Internet technology enables
the perpetrators of cyberbullying to hide behind the screen. As such, the actors are privileged to
act on their victims anonymously from the close of distant places. The research also revealed that
most cyber-bullies are never remorseful for their activities because of their physical separation
from the victims.
Increased cases of cyberbullying among teenagers in the US, today, have also been
attributed to the fact that the victims hardly report their encounters with its perpetrators to the
relevant people who could assist them in dealing with its effects Mendez-Baldwin, et, al. (2015).
More than 50% of the victims of cyberbullying never report their experiences with cyberbullying
due to the fear of such things as being criticized by other members of the society (Li, 2007).
According to Peebles (2014), cyberbullying cripples the capability or willingness of the victims
to report by achieving its strategic objectives such as the installation of fear through threats and
harassment or trickery. Also, the Internet enables the perpetrators to use different methods in
launching their activities; a situation that complicates the phenomena, making it further difficult
to detect or control. The complexity of cyberbullying has created significant challenges in
fighting against its adverse effects because of its persistent dynamism. As such, researchers have
failed to arrive at a consensus on the nature, manifestation, and limits of cyberbullying (Ferreira
& Deslandes, 2018). The increased use of computerized devices such as mobile phones and other
gadgets capable of transmitting confidential information has also increased the vulnerability of
teenagers to cyberbullying. Out of the review of historical literature on the vulnerability of
teenagers to cyberbullying and the reasons for its persistence in the modern world, it is critical to
highlight that the phenomenon is here to last. The argument is justified by the fact that
technological developments, especially on the Internet, social media, and telecommunications,
seems to be unstoppable in the advent of globalization. As a result, it is essential for all
community members to stay on the alert to identify and deal with any threat posed by
cyberbullying; now and in the future. The complexity with which technology presents
cyberbullying makes it a strange concept that cannot be demystified instantaneously.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND CYBERBULLYING
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Researchers like John et al., (2018) categorized cyberbullying among the worst public
health concerns in the modern world; especially among teenagers. Increased cyberbullying
experiences of teenagers have been attributed to numerous adverse effects on their mental,
physical, and psychological health as well as development and behavioral orientation (Nixon,
2014). To reiterate the gravity of cyberbullying among the youth, Peebles (2014) reiterated that
the perpetrators aim at achieving such objectives as harassment, embarrassment, instill fear, and
trickery among other goals. Victims of cyberbullying have, for instance, been associated with
significant adverse health outcomes. They demonstrate various challenges like depression and
anxiety. The effects of cyberbullying can inhibit the well-being of the victim’s mind, thus
sending them into depressive situations whereby they become emotionally unstable or develop
withdrawal symptoms. Depression has also been associated with increased violence, eating
disorders, and sleeping problems. Persistence of such problems culminates other physiological
and development problems such as psychological torment and obesity. Cyberbullying has also
been blamed for the increased demonstration of self-harming behaviors as well as increases
suicidal ideation and tendencies among the victims. The victims develop high senses of guilt and
self-hate; thus, resorting to harming themselves or intending to take their lives.
Overall, review or previous literature about the existence of cyberbullying in the modern
world reveals that the vice is supported by different factors. First, the Internet has been
highlighted as the primary force that drives cyberbullying in the modern world. It supports
massive social media platforms, which have been directly linked to the emergence and
aggravation of cyberbullying. The Internet also facilitates the anonymous actions of perpetrators
who always hide behind the screen. The use of other communication devices such as mobile
phones facilitates the exchange of different contents, and also serves as a significant basis for
cyberbullying. The persistence of cyberbullying is also attributed to the negligible willingness by
victims to disclose their experiences. All these factors make cyberbullying a complicated concept
that is significantly hard to deal with. Its dynamism and high vulnerability of the victims makes
it difficult to combat. Therefore, it results in numerous adverse effects on the victims. The
negative impacts of cyberbullying on teenage victims include poor mental health, development
problems, physical health problems, and behavioral distortion (Lindert, 2017). Therefore, there is
a great need for modern society to adopt continuous and focused efforts that evolve with
cyberbullying if its threats and adverse effects are to be reduced in the future. Failure to combat
the negative effects of cyberbullying on American teenagers would exhibit adverse effects in
their future lives; mainly due to the adverse mental and psychological effects.
Methodology and Methods
The reliability of the outcomes of any research activity is mainly determined by the
objectivity and feasibility of the methods used to gather, analyze, and present the research data
and information. Therefore, it is crucial to exploit valid and reliable methods and methodologies
in any research activity if the results are to be valid and reliable. Failure to rely on reliable
sources would render the entire research activity null and void. To establish the adverse effects
of cyberbullying on teenagers in the US, the research will be based on qualitative analysis of
secondary data sources as well as other methods such as interviews with selected samples of
teenagers. Due to the nature of the study and time constraints, the research will be initiated by
comparing the research outcomes of different pieces of literature presented in the past with the
aim of arriving at reliable conclusions. As such, the research content will be drawn from peer-
SOCIAL MEDIA AND CYBERBULLYING
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reviewed academic journal articles, books, and reports on the effects of cyberbullying on
teenagers in the US. It is important to highlight the fact that there have been inevitable
methodological shortcomings and drifts among previous researchers of the topic; therefore, the
research will seek to establish a middle ground between the differences presented by the previous
studies in a bid to present general research findings. Upon examining different pieces of
literature on the topic, the paper will present an objective comparative analysis of the content to
highlight any points of similarities and differences. To ascertain the reliability of the selected
sources of such information, selection criteria will be defined by the different methods used by
the researchers to arrive at their conclusions. As such, information will be drawn from previous
literature composed from primary research methods such as surveys and interviews with victims
of cyberbullying. The academic sources of information will be obtained from the Internet and
library; with objectivity being a key determinant of reliable and unreliable sources of
information. To maintain the relevance of the research, information will be drawn from sources
not older than ten years.
Another important methodology for data collection in the research will be online surveys
and interviews on sampled teenagers in different locations. The two primary data collection
methods will aim at gathering first-hand information about the teenage experiences gained from
different incidences of cyberbullying. The reliance on direct responses from the teenagers will be
a critical remedy for the methodological inconsistencies experienced by previous researchers due
to the complexity of cyberbullying as a result of its evolutionary nature with technology. The
argument is based on the fact that a valid argument about the manifestation of cyberbullying five
years ago would be obsolete today. A current proposition on cyberbullying today would also be
invalid in the next decade. As such, the relevance of the study would be significantly boosted by
the utilization of current opinions and perceptions of teenagers about cyberbullying. It will
facilitate the generation of current knowledge on how the vice is perpetrated in the modern day
and what factors contribute to its persistence. Interviews and samples will also contribute
significantly to highlighting any inconsistencies of the current research with previous literature.
Overall, reliance on primary and secondary data sources will form a firm basis for the
formulation of valid research and conclusions on the negative impacts of cyberbullying on
teenagers in America. The methodology will also contribute significantly to the identification of
any research gaps that may exist, and form a basis for recommendations for future studies on the
topic.
Expected Results
Upon implementation of the proposed research methodology for collection and analysis
of the data, the research is expected to yield specific outcomes focused on answering the research
questions highlighted in the previous sections. As such, the research is expected to develop a
comprehensive explanation for cyberbullying by drawing evidence from existing literature on the
subject. The expectation for the research to develop a precise and explanatory definition for the
concept is based on the fact that the concept has been explained differently by different
researchers in the past. The study is also expected to unearth the diverse reasons underlying the
persistence of cyberbullying in the modern world. Specifically, the study is expected to highlight
the relationship between technological evolution and the development of cyberbullying in
modern society. The study is also expected to highlight the different ways through which
cyberbullying is perpetrated and the reasons for the high vulnerability of teenagers to
SOCIAL MEDIA AND CYBERBULLYING
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cyberbullying. In this case, it will expose the different methods used by cyber-bullies to pursue
their motives. It will highlight such issues as the correlation between teenagers’ use of social
media and vulnerability to cyberbullying. The central expectation of the study is the presentation
of solid explanations for the different adverse effects of cyberbullying on teenagers in the USA.
Here, the paper is expected to present a systematic outline of the different effects of the vice on
teenagers’ health, mental well-being, development, and behavioral orientation. Finally, the study
is expected to formulate possible recommendations for American society and authorities to
control, prevent, or manage the adversity of cyberbullying on teenagers. Recommendations for
the different ways through which cyberbullying and its effects on teenagers can be regulated are
expected to be based on legitimate academic criteria that can be objectively verified.
Potential Significance of Findings
Human welfare is a critical element for the maintenance of a functional
community/nation. As such, findings of the study will play a critical role in the fight against
cyberbullying. First, the study will provide relevant information that can assist teenagers,
parents, and guardians in identifying cases of cyberbullying before their effects become
unbearable. Also, the findings will contribute significantly to the formulation of control,
prevention, and management strategies for cyberbullying and its effects. The significance is
based on the fact that the formulation of effective control and preventive measures for any
human problem is mainly dependent on the existing knowledge about the problem. Humans
cannot solve a problem they do not know about. The findings will also serve as strong
eyeopeners for teenagers and other members of the society to report such cases and remain
vigilant when using the Internet, social media, and other platforms on which cyberbullying is
perpetrated. The most critical significance of the findings of the study will be the facilitation of
positive interventions for the victims of cyberbullying. While it is expected that the study will
highlight different adverse effects on the victims’ physical and mental health, psychological
stability, and behavioral orientation, it will form a firm basis for the formulation of appropriate
treatments or interventions. Imperatively, formulation of appropriate intervention mechanisms
will play a critical role in enabling the victims to recover from their adverse situations and live
appropriate lives. The study will highlight the complex nature of cyberbullying and how it
evolves with technology. As such, it will serve as a loud signal for all susceptible individuals to
maintain high online vigilance to avoid falling into the traps of cyber-bullies. Overall, the
findings of the study will form a firm basis for the fight against cyberbullying and the
management of its adverse effects on the already affected victims.
Ethical Issues
Research on the adverse effects of cyberbullying on teenagers in the US, as described in
this study, entails surveys and interviews of different individuals in a bid to obtain their opinions
regarding the concept. As such, ethical issues of the research could include personal consent of
the respondents. The people to be interviewed during the research must consent to such exercise
in writing without being coerced. Another critical issue for the study on the effects of
cyberbullying on teenagers in the US is confidentiality. Cyberbullying involves extensive
experiences; some of which are too devastating to be discussed in the public realm. Therefore,
the respondents should be assured that their responses will be handled with the highest possible
SOCIAL MEDIA AND CYBERBULLYING
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level of privacy and confidentiality. Such responses should only be used for the study and no
other purposes. Personal rights should also be protected during the study to ensure that none of
the respondents is offended in any way during the period of study. It is also essential to obtain
the required approvals by the relevant authorities before initiating the research. For instance, the
Institutional Review Board of the school should examine the topic and issue the appropriate
approval before commencement of the research activities. Academic ethics should also be
observed in the study to avoid using copyrighted works without the proper authority of citation
to acknowledge the owners’ contributions. By observing the ethical concerns highlighted, the
research will comply with the relevant regulations of different capacities. Any breach of the
same would result in unwanted repercussions such as legal suits.
Limitations of the Study
It is critical to highlight that the research will involve human characters and a dynamic
concept, cyberbullying. As such, the first limitation of the study would be the inability to obtain
sufficient or accurate information from the respondents. Some respondents may have undergone
severe traumatic ordeals as a result of cyberbullying; thus, they may feel uneasy about disclosing
any relevant information for the study. It is also imperative to highlight that some respondents
may have never experienced cyberbullying or encountered a victim in their lives. Such
individuals may also be irrelevant for the purpose of the research. Other respondents may be
uncooperative or deceitful; thus, leading to inaccurate information which could render the
research findings untrue.
The dynamic nature of technology on which cyberbullying is pivoted would be another
significant limitation for the study. From the literature review, technology and social media have
been highlighted as the most influential forces behind the emergence and persistence of
cyberbullying in the modern world. The Internet forms another basis for cyberbullying. The
limitation posed by the complexity and dynamism of technology in the study is based on the fact
that it is continuously evolving, and so cyberbullying. The perpetrators of cyberbullying are
aggressive and relentless characters who invent new strategies by the day; thus, historical
experiences of the respondents may be invalid or obsolete in the future. Therefore, the reliability
of the report would only be limited to the past, and its applicability in the future would be
determined by technological progress. Studying a concept attached to an evolving element is
equivalent to chasing a moving target. Therefore, the study on the adverse effects of
cyberbullying on teenagers in the US would have limited reliability for decision-making
purposes because technology is continuously changing. Also, the human respondents would be
sharing their historical experiences and knowledge about cyberbullying; a phenomenon which
could be significantly challenged by time. It is also imperative to highlight that the study findings
would be limited by the fact that perpetrators of cyberbullying are high-tech experts who strive
to conceal their operations such that it is difficult to detect them. Therefore, the available
information would not be deemed comprehensive.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND CYBERBULLYING
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References
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a review of the literature. Mhealth, 2, 46-46. doi: 10.21037/mhealth.2016.12.01
Ferreira, T., & Deslandes, S. (2018). Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying: concepts, dynamics,
characters, and health implications. Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, 23(10), 3369-3379. doi:
10.1590/1413-812320182310.13482018
Greenfield, S. (2015). The Internet Has Changed Bullying- For The Worse. Retrieved from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/mind-change/201512/the-internet-has-changedbullying-the-worse
John, A., Glendenning, A., Marchant, A., Montgomery, P., Stewart, A., & Wood, S. et al. (2018).
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Lindert, J. (2017). Cyber-bullying and its impact on mental health. European Journal Of Public
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Vaillancourt, T., Faris, R., & Mishna, F. (2016). Cyberbullying in Children and Youth:
Implications for Health and Clinical Practice. The Canadian Journal Of Psychiatry, 62(6),
368-373. doi: 10.1177/0706743716684791
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