Zack Stickler
September 29, 2025
Source: https://academic.oup.com/cybersecurity/article/6/1/tyaa007/5860623
Relation to Social Science Principles
This article explores cyberbullying through a social science lens, focusing on behavioral patterns,
societal norms, and psychological impacts. It draws from sociology and psychology to
understand how online environments shape interpersonal aggression and victimization. The
study emphasizes the role of digital platforms in amplifying social dynamics, making it a strong
fit for social science inquiry (Kowalski et al., 2020).
Research Question, Hypotheses, IV & DV
Research Question: What are the definitions, prevalence rates, and psychological impacts of
cyberbullying on social media?
Hypotheses:
H1: Cyberbullying is more prevalent among adolescents and marginalized groups.
H2: Victims of cyberbullying experience significant psychological distress.
Independent Variable (IV): Exposure to cyberbullying incidents
Dependent Variable (DV): Psychological impact (e.g., anxiety, depression, social withdrawal)
(Kowalski et al., 2020)
Research Methods Used
The study uses a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of existing empirical studies. It
synthesizes findings across multiple disciplines, including criminology, psychology, and communication studies. The authors also apply content analysis to categorize definitions and
typologies of cyberbullying (Kowalski et al., 2020).
Data and Analysis
Data includes peer-reviewed studies, survey results, and psychological assessments. The analysis
identifies patterns in victim demographics, platform usage, and emotional outcomes. Statistical
aggregation is used to compare prevalence rates and severity across age groups and regions
(Kowalski et al., 2020).
Connection to CYSE201S PowerPoint Concepts
The article connects directly to CYSE201S topics such as individual motives, social engineering,
and online identity manipulation. It highlights how anonymity and digital disinhibition contribute
to harmful behavior, echoing themes from lecture slides on psychological drivers and threat
modeling (Kowalski et al., 2020).
Marginalized Groups: Challenges and Contributions
Marginalized populations—especially LGBTQ+ youth and racial minorities—are
disproportionately affected by cyberbullying. The article emphasizes the need for inclusive
platform policies and mental health support. It also calls for more diverse representation in
cybersecurity research to address these disparities (Kowalski et al., 2020).
Overall Contributions to Society
This study contributes to public awareness, platform accountability, and policy development. By
clarifying definitions and documenting impact, it supports educators, mental health
professionals, and cybersecurity practitioners in designing interventions. It also reinforces the
importance of ethical design in social media systems (Kowalski et al., 2020).
Conclusion
Cyberbullying on Social Media offers a comprehensive and socially grounded analysis of digital
aggression. It bridges technical and human-centered perspectives, making it a valuable resource
for CYSE201S and broader cybersecurity education. Its emphasis on marginalized groups and
psychological impact underscores the societal urgency of addressing online harm (Kowalski et
al., 2020).
References
Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2020). Cyberbullying
on social media: Definitions, prevalence, and impact. Journal of Cybersecurity, 6(1), tyaa007.
https://academic.oup.com/cybersecurity/article/6/1/tyaa007/5860623