Cyberviolence and the digital experience: reflections on a problematic issue for youth

ABSTRACT

In this paper, the authors introduce some of the main aspects of cyberviolence related to digital life, and online experience with a specific focus on young people. Cyberviolence includes violent and calculated actions carried out through electronic tools. In different situations, the perpetrator(s) can be a single person or a group, which deliberately aims to hurt or damage another who cannot defend themselves, often because the victims are initially unaware and unable to manage the problem emotionally and psychologically. Cyber-stalking, revenge porn, hate speech and cyberbullying are just some forms of online violence (cyber-violence). This issue reflects on the problematic issue of cyberviolence from different perspectives including the social, psychological, and educational.

KEYWORDS:

• Cyberviolence
• youth
• social aspects
• digital and online experience

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Isabella Crespi

Isabella Crespi, Ph.D. in Sociology and methodology, is an Associate Professor of Cultural Sociology at the University of Macerata, Department of Education, Cultural Heritage and Tourism. Her main research areas include family, education, gender differences, cultural aspects.

Laurie-ann M. Hellsten

Dr. Laurie-ann Hellsten is a Professor and the Dean of the Faculty of Education at The University of Winnipeg. Her research interests include instrument development and validation and mixed methodologies with adolescents and emerging adults in the health (cyberbullying, physical activity, and well-being) and education domains.