Abstract
AbstractIn this paper, we analyse the relationship between bullying, cyberbullying and Internet usage in the post-conflict city of Belfast, using the conceptual framework of social capital theory. Observing the results of a survey we conducted among young people, with the help of local partners, we found a paradox, according to which moderate Internet users claimed to have been more exposed to cyberbullying than heavy Internet users. In the observed context, cyberspace seems to be a more suitable place for verbal offences, in particular for vulgar messages, the high level of occurrence of which, compared to the offline environment, explains the high levels of cyberbullying. Moreover, our findings confirmed a gender pattern according to which males constitute a slight majority of bullying victims, while females are a significant majority among cyberbullying victims.
Highlights
This paper analyses the phenomena of bullying and cyberbullying in a post-conflict city in transition, seeking to inquire into the extent to which Internet usage promotes social capital.This study is part of a wider research project, concerning the impact of the Internet on divided cities, in particular within a post-conflict context
Our study focuses on the case of Belfast, a post-conflict city where urban space displays a sedimented division, which is influencing the daily life of its citizens, but where there is a dynamic of reconciliation, characterized by dominant public awareness, and political and social effort oriented towards reconstruction and integration
In Belfast, these actions have an obvious link with the situation of post-conflict
Summary
This paper analyses the phenomena of bullying and cyberbullying in a post-conflict city in transition, seeking to inquire into the extent to which Internet usage promotes social capital. Our study focuses on the case of Belfast, a post-conflict city where urban space displays a sedimented division (wall, communities segregation, separated public services, lack of cohesion, etc.), which is influencing the daily life of its citizens, but where there is a dynamic of reconciliation, characterized by dominant public awareness, and political and social effort oriented towards reconstruction and integration Because of these characteristics, we considered this case as constituting an indicative context that could allow us to visualize the possible impact of the Internet on social capital in divided cities. In the case of Belfast, bullying and cyberbullying can be related to sectarianism, and to harassment, vulgar messages and threats of violence, among other things We consider that these deviant behaviours can have consequences on urban transition and social capital. The main criterion for conceptualization of these classes concerns the complexity of the online experience, considering that a more “variegate” or sophisticated usage gives users a more articulate experience of the Internet, allowing them to better exploit the benefits of the latter
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
