Evaluation of the Relationship between Cyberbullying Perpetration and Cyber Victimization with Social Media and Game Addiction among Youth

Abstract

Objective: Both cyberbullying perpetration and cyber victimization are becoming a increasingly important problem among adolescents with the development of technology. It is suggested that there are many factors in the emergence of cyberbullying. This study, it is aimed to evaluate the relationship between cyberbullying and victimization, social media addiction, and game addiction. Material and Methods: A total of 537 adolescents aged 10-18 were included in our cross-sectional study. Participants filled out the sociodemographic data form, social media addiction scale, game addiction scale, and cyberbullying scale. Results: In our study, both cyber perpetrators (0.021) and cyber victims (p<0.001) were more frequent in girls. While social media addiction scores were higher in cyber victims (p=0.020), gender (OR [Odds Ratio]= 0.09 CI [Confidence interval]:[ 0.04- 0.23] ) and game addiction score were found to be predictors. (OR=1.09 CI: [1.03-1.16] ). Conclusion: Social media and game addiction seem to be especially related to cyber victimization. Although a causal relationship could not be revealed in our study, it is thought that it may be useful to increase the awareness of adolescents about cyberbullying during gaming and using social media, which have an important place in their lives, and to evaluate the groups with addiction in terms of cyber victimization.