Cyberbullying, online addiction, and sexting: An overview of online social risk taking

Festl Ruth, Quandt Thorsten

Research article (book contribution)

Abstract

In public and scientific debate, the opportunities offered by digital media are often contrasted with a broad range of potential risks and harms. Negative influences are commonly anticipated for young people who have grown up with digital media in their everyday lives. This chapter systemizes different social risks faced by children, adolescents, and young adults using digital technologies. It addresses three online phenomena that arise out of or refer to social interactions with peers or adults and that are much discussed in public and current online research: cyberbullying, online addiction (with regard to social network sites and online games), and sexting. Regarding the diffusion of these phenomena, obtained rates have varied widely depending on the used definition, selected measurement instruments, and set cutoff criteria. Recently, more established instruments as well as first longitudinal studies and meta-analyses have appeared, allowing for more systematic research on social online risks. Looking at explanation patterns, individual factors such as personality features, co-occurrence with other (risky) behavior, and specific characteristics of an individual’s online use were predominant in previous research; lately, aspects of social resources and social influence have become more important, emphasizing peer factors as important predictors of involvement in risky online behavior.

Details zur Publikation

Publisher: Potanza M N, Faust K A, Faust D
Book title: The Oxford handbook of digital technologies and mental health
Release year: 2020
Publishing company: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 9780190218058
Language in which the publication is written: English
Event: Oxford