NCJ Number
248128
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 19 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2014 Pages: 418-422
Date Published
August 2014
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article examines the growing problem of the bystander culture in cases of cyberbullying.
Abstract
The key difference between traditional forms of bullying and cyberbullying is the inclusion of technological mediums in cyberbullying incidents, such as email, smart phones, and social media Web sites. This infusion of technology has changed the conventional characteristics of those involved in bullying incidents. This article examines the growing problem of the bystander culture in cases of cyberbullying. The article discusses the traditional nature of the bystander culture, providing findings from research that examined the nature of bystanders in emergency situations. This is followed by an examination of the digital bystander culture, and how the interrelated effects of digital accessibility, anonymity, and autonomy have caused the online bystander culture to grow and change. The article also discusses the role of bystanders, persons who defend other against injustice, and how education and prevention efforts can be used to strengthen the prospect that a bystander will assume the role of a bystander. References