A Case Study of the Experiences of Cyber-Bullying Victims in Adolescence Focusing on College Students
AUTHOR : 최지영, 이민혜
INFORMATION : page. 173~191 / 2019 Vol.26 No.2
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of victim experiences in cyber-space as experienced during adolescence. To do this, twelve college students who had experienced bullying in cyber-space during their adolescence were selected as research participants and in-depth interviews were conducted with them. The data derived from the in-depth interviews were analyzed using a continuous comparison method and an open coding method. In the analysis, 30 concepts, nine subcategories, and four categories were established. The four categories are ‘vicious cycle of bullying’, ‘him in the game vs. her in the messenger’, ‘supporters during the process of coping with cyber-bullying’, and ‘smartphone as a speedy emotional transporter’. The first category, ‘vicious cycle of bullying’, refers connection between offline bullying and bullying in cyberspace. The second category, ‘him in the game vs. her in the messenger’, reflects gender differences in cyber-bullying. While boys primarily experience verbal and relational bullying in game situations, girls often experience their own alienation on smartphones, computer messenger applications, and on mini-homepages. The third category, ‘supporters during the process of coping with cyber-bullying’, is related to how the students respect themselves and recognize that they are not to blame, as well as to overcome the cyber-bullying experiences with support and encouragement from parents and other family members. Fourth, ‘smartphone as a speedy emotional transporter’ is related to the influence of the popularization of smartphones on peer relationships, including cyber-bullying behavior. Based on the results of this study, educational implications for cyber-bullying prevention are suggested.