Fear of cyberbullying : transcribed by female victims and their close ones

Abstract

Today, cyberbullying is considered to be more ominous than traditional bullying. As the direct attacks are more intense, recurrent and difficult to stop from spreading, it becomes even more challenging to identify the perpetrator (Hinduja and Patchin, 2009). The present study aims to examine the impact of fear of cyberbullying victimization on young women in Hong Kong. There are three aims in particular- (i) to define cyberbullying and trends of cyberbullying in Hong Kong; (ii) to understand the perceived risk or fear of cyberbullying victimization among females in Hong Kong and; (iii) coping mechanisms used by female victims of cyberbullying. These research objectives will be achieved by analysing the qualitative interviews of five research participants which includes female victims and female friends or close ones of the victims of cyberbullying. The findings of the research suggest that while the term ‘fear’ is not commonly used among the participants, their modification of online behaviour through technical coping strategies and the influence of previous experiences of victims of cyberbullying effect their perception of cyberbullying victimization.