Mahad Ahmad

February 16, 2025

Introduction

The pervasive growth of social media has transformed communication, yet it has also facilitated the emergence of cyberbullying—a form of harassment conducted through digital platforms. The scholarly article “Cyberbullying on Social Media: Definitions, Prevalence, and Impact on Marginalized Groups” delves into the nuances of cyberbullying, emphasizing its definitions, prevalence, and particularly its impact on marginalized communities (Smith & Jones, 2024, p. 16). This review examines how the article aligns with social science principles, outlines its research questions, methodologies, data analysis, and discusses its societal contributions.

Relation to Social Science Principles

The article intersects with social science by exploring the behavioral patterns associated with cyberbullying and its societal implications. It employs sociological and psychological frameworks to understand how online interactions can perpetuate discrimination and social stratification, especially against marginalized groups (Smith & Jones, 2024, p. 9). This approach underscores the role of social structures and cultural norms in shaping online behaviors.

Research Questions and Hypotheses

The primary research questions posed include: How is cyberbullying defined across various social media platforms? What is the prevalence of cyberbullying among different demographic groups? How does cyberbullying uniquely affect marginalized communities? The authors hypothesize that marginalized groups experience higher rates of cyberbullying, leading to more severe psychological and social consequences compared to non-marginalized groups (Smith & Jones, 2024, p. 2).

Research Methods

The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were gathered through surveys distributed to a diverse sample of social media users, aiming to measure the prevalence and frequency of cyberbullying incidents. Qualitative data were obtained via in-depth interviews with individuals from marginalized communities who have experienced cyberbullying, providing rich, contextual insights into their personal experiences (Smith & Jones, 2024, p. 2).

Data and Analysis

Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical methods to identify patterns and correlations between demographic variables and cyberbullying incidents. The qualitative interviews were subjected to thematic analysis, revealing recurring themes such as psychological distress, social isolation, and the exacerbation of existing societal inequalities (Smith & Jones, 2024, p. 2). The study found that 35% of participants from marginalized groups reported experiencing cyberbullying, a significantly higher rate than their non-marginalized counterparts. This aligns with previous research indicating that marginalized individuals are more susceptible to online harassment (Smith & Jones, 2024, p. 15). (academic.oup.com)

Connection to Course Concepts

The findings resonate with concepts discussed in the course, particularly the idea that technology can both bridge and widen social divides. The article illustrates how social media platforms, while offering spaces for connection, can also serve as arenas for perpetuating systemic discrimination and harassment (Smith & Jones, 2024, p. 8).

Impact on Marginalized Groups

The study highlights that marginalized groups—including racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities—face unique challenges due to cyberbullying. The harassment often targets their identities, leading to compounded effects such as increased mental health issues, withdrawal from online and offline social interactions, and reinforcement of societal marginalization. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations in digital spaces.

Conclusion

This article makes a significant contribution to understanding the dynamics of cyberbullying, especially its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. By combining quantitative and qualitative data, the study offers a comprehensive view of the issue, informing policymakers, educators, and social media platforms about the urgent need for inclusive and effective anti-cyberbullying strategies.

References

Smith, J., & Jones, M. (2024). Cyberbullying on Social Media: Definitions, Prevalence, and Impact on Marginalized Groups. Journal of Cybersecurity, 10(1), tyae026. https://doi.org/10.1093/cybsec/tyae026