Article 1:
Charles Phillips
Professor Diwakar Yalpi
CYST 201S
2/20/2025
Cyberbullying and CyberbullicideIdeation Among Jordanian College Students
BLUF
The study delves into the prevalence and impact of cyberbullying on mental health among
college students in Jordanian. Adopting an empirical approach grounded in social sciences, the
researchers explore the relationship between cyberbullying experiences and suicidal ideation,
known as “cyberbullicide.” Cultural factors are considered, highlighting the social dimensions of
psychological consequences, particularly for marginalized people. The paper provides valuable
insights into this critical issue affecting the youth in Jordanian.
Topic relates to the principles of the social sciences;
The article investigates the dynamics of cyberbullying and cyberbullicide ideation through the
lens of social science. Three core principles bear particularly on the results.
Empiricism: The study’s foundations are anchored in original empirical research with data
collected from college students in Jordan through surveys(Jebril et al., 2023). The researchers
analyzed this subject matter using statistics to compile data about the occurrence of
cyberbullying and related ideations of cyberbullicide.
Relativism: The study also acknowledges the cultural environment of Jordan and how the
cultural norms and digital practices may be different from those in the Western cultural
context(Jebril et al., 2023). It also makes the necessary observation that cyberbullying and
experiences around cyberbullying can vary depending on which culture you are looking at,
thereby making it imperative to consider their issues within their particular social and cultural
landscape.
Determinism: The research indicates that the exposure to cyberbullying can determine the mental
state of these students, leading to suicidal ideation while highlighting the connection between
distal variables and proximal psychological outcomes(Jebril et al., 2023). One significant aspect
of the research is the attention it pays to environmental and situational variables, which
reportedly are influential in determining correlates of students’ mental health.
Research questions or hypotheses
The primary research question of the study is to ascertain the prevalence and causative factors of cyberbullying and cyberbullicide ideation among Jordanian college students(Jebril et al., 2023). The other aim is to explore other potential relationships entertained between such factors and the mental states of the students. The hypotheses are: H1: Cyberbullying is positively correlated with increased ideation of cyberbullicide. H2: Students who experience higher levels of cyberbullying show worse mental health outcomes. Types of research methods used;
Quantitative methods of research were used, involving a survey plan. This survey involved
college-age students in Jordan by asking about their experiences in cyberbullying and
vulnerability to the ideation of a cyberbullicide. Likert scale questions likely appeared in the
survey and helped in quantifying the responses(Jebril et al., 2023). The data collected were
statistically analyzed with descriptive and inferential methods to ascertain the correlations among the different variables.Types of data and analysis done The primary data collected for the study were self-report answers from students, which gave an insight into their experience with cyberbullying, mental health, and suicidal ideation resulting from online harassment. In this way, descriptive statistics (Jebril et al., 2023) and inferential statistics (Jebril et al., 2023) were used to test the hypotheses related to the relations between cyberbullying and psychological impacts. Concepts from the PowerPoint presentations relate to the article The article’s topic directly connects to several concepts commonly discussed in social science presentations:
Social Interaction: The article discusses how the students are interacting within the online space, showing how online communication now plays a bigger role in forming social dynamics. Online Communication: The article shows how students’ behavior-also because of the fact that they are so susceptible to cyberbullying-is being determined by their peers and by the wider culture of cyberspace. Mental health: The psychological impact of cyberbullying is discussed within the article as constituting part of a larger discussion on how social phenomena affect individual welfare. Topic relates to the challenges, concerns and contributions of marginalized groups; The research focuses on the stance whereby marginalized groups are positioned, coupled with causes that already render them vulnerable due to purely their socioeconomic status, the state of mental well-being, or any related social circumstances(Jebril et al., 2023). Students with marginalized backgrounds may go on to experience more intense or chronic cyberbullying,which may lead to high rates of ideation for cyberbullicide. This brings to light the need for inclusive mental health support and digital safety measures for these groups as they may not access the same resources and coping mechanisms as others(Jebril et al., 2023).
Overall contributions of the studies to society.The findings of this research are relevant to an understanding of the present state and impact of cyberbullying on society in Jordan(Jebril et al., 2023). By identifying correlations between cyberbullying and other mental health issues like cyberbullicide ideation, it is clear that awareness and intervention programs will need to be introduced to protect students. Importantly, this supports initiatives to develop policies and educational programs for positive online interactions among children when discussing mental health approaches for victimized children regarding cyberbullying(Jebril et al., 2023). Moreover, it contributes to the global conversation about how mental health is to be supported in a digital age and discusses the way that social norms shape online behavior.
Conclusion:
The study on “Cyberbullying and Cyberbullicide Ideation Among Jordanian College Students”
provides significant insights into the prevalence and psychological impact of cyberbullying. It
utilizes empirical research to reveal the relationship between online harassment and mental
health issues, specifically suicidal thoughts. The study highlights the importance of
understanding cyberbullying in the cultural context of Jordan and emphasizes the need for
targeted interventions, particularly for marginalized groups who may face heightened risks. This
research contributes to society by urging policymakers, educators, and mental health
professionals to address the growing concern of cyberbullying and its harmful consequences,
fostering a safer digital environment for all students.
References:
Jebril, S., Al-Khalili, S., & Abu-Hamdeh, K. (2023). Cyberbullying and Cyberbullicide Ideation
Among Jordanian College Students. Cyber Crime Journal. Retrieved from
https://cybercrimejournal.com/menuscript/index.php/cybercrimejournal/article/view/329/98
Article 2:
Charles Phillips
Professor Diwakar Yalpi
CYST 201S
4/12/2025
Exploring Cyber Victimization in Healthcare through Routine Activities Theory
BLUF
The authors of the article “Cyber Victimization in the Healthcare Industry: Understanding
Offender Motives and Victim Characteristics Through Routine Activities Theory (RAT) and
Cyber-Routine Activities Theory (Cyber-RAT)” by Praveen, Kim, and Choi (2024) investigate
the origins and manifestations of cyber-attacks on healthcare. The study advances knowledge for
social scientists by employing theoretical models that can account for criminality, and
criminality in digital spaces in particular, as well as classic forms of crime.
Connection to Social Science Principles
This research fits nicely within the social sciences because it studies human behavior, social
systems, and interactions—the offenders’ interaction with vulnerable healthcare targets. The
research uses sociological theories such as Routine Activity Theory (RAT) and Cyber-RAT to
study cybercrime, exploring how social structure and social practices lead to victimization. For
example, the article strongly reflects some key social science principles:
Empiricism: The study is grounded in real-world data and documented cases.
Determinism: It explores cause-effect relationships between institutional vulnerabilities and
likelihood of attack.
Objectivity: Researchers minimize bias by using structured coding methods.
Ethical Neutrality: Offender behavior is analyzed academically, without moral bias.
Research questions or hypotheses
This research fits nicely within the social sciences because it studies human behavior, social
systems, and the offenders’ interaction with vulnerable healthcare targets. The research uses
sociological theories such as Routine Activity Theory (RAT) and Cyber-RAT to study
cybercrime, exploring how social structure and social practices lead to victimization.
Research Methods
To explore an authentic understanding of cybercrime events directed toward the healthcare field,
this research employs qualitative content analysis(Praveen, 2024). The researchers systematically
examine public data, news articles, and scholarly literature to identify trends in offender behavior
and the characteristics of targeted organizations.
Data and Analysis
The researchers gathered qualitative data on documented cyber-attacks and used thematic coding
techniques to identify recurrent themes. They focused their analyses on three components of
RAT-motivated offenders, suitable targets, and absence of guardianship and mapped their
findings to vulnerabilities in the healthcare sector’s (Praveen, 2024).
Relation to Course Concepts
This article has relevant connections to the course PowerPoint materials as it relates to
criminological theories, marginalization, and the role of technology in social relations.
Additionally, the application of RAT and Cyber-RAT demonstrates how theory can help us
understand the complexities related to digital crimes through a social science lens (Praveen,
2024).
Marginalized Groups and Ethical Concerns
Cyber-attacks have an outsized impact on vulnerable populations that utilize public healthcare
systems that have the fewest resources for cybersecurity(Praveen, 2024). The study considers
ethical implications associated with breaches of data, patient privacy, and digital protections
unequally available for groups. An emphasis on institutional reforms and equitable investment in
cybersecurity for varying healthcare entities is warranted.
Societal Contributions of the Study
Impacts of the Study on Society This study adds to larger societal goals by outlining specific
systemic weaknesses in the cybersecurity capabilities of healthcare organizations. It emphasizes
the significance of ongoing digital hygiene, employee education, and investment of resources.
These lessons help to inform better cybersecurity policy that will protect the health of the public
and the integrity of data, especially in critical infrastructure sectors.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the article provides a sound review of cyber victimization in healthcare through
theoretical and empirical approaches, which contributes to the social sciences through a better
understanding of offending behavior and highlighting vulnerable marginalized systems. This is
an important research project for future policy on cybersecurity and protecting vulnerable
populations.
References:
Praveen, Y. , Kim, M. & Choi, K. (2024). Cyber Victimization in the Healthcare Industry:
Analyzing Offender Motivations and Target Characteristics through Routine Activities Theory
(RAT) and Cyber-
Routinehttps://vc.bridgew.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1186&context=ijcic