Scrolling into risk? A structural examination of social media use, demographics, and psychological factors in cyberbullying victimization

Yeojin Kim; Sung Eun Park

doi:10.29329/jsomer.92

Authors

Yeojin Kim Central Connecticut State University, USA https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2479-4046
Sung Eun Park Webster University, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2342-9005

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29329/jsomer.92

Keywords:

Social media, demographics, psychological factors, cybervictimization

Abstract

Given the increasing prevalence of cyberbullying and its harmful effects on social media, previous research has extensively documented social media usage and cyberbullying victimization. However, the findings are often mixed, and studies on cybervictimization beyond teenage and young adult populations are limited. Based on prior literature and theories, this study investigates how social media use, individual demographic characteristics, and psychological factors influence cybervictimization among U.S. adults. A total of 560 participants were recruited through Qualtrics Online Panels. The results indicate that heavy social media use is associated with lower self-esteem and weaker coping strategies, which in turn increase vulnerability to cybervictimization. In contrast, greater social support derived from social media use enhances self-esteem, thereby reducing vulnerability to cybervictimization. The results also revealed the mediating role of an individual’s self-esteem, social support, and coping strategies in the relationship between individual demographic variables and cybervictimization. This study is expected to provide valuable insights for future research and practice on the development of preventive strategies to support cyberbullying victims on social media based on individuals’ diverse demographic backgrounds and experience of social media use.

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