Generation Z and cyberviolence: between digital platforms use and risk awareness

Abstract

ABSTRACT The article focuses on the results of a national empirical research on Generation Z’s perceptions and experiences of cyberviolence. This term refers to aggressive and intentional actions, carried out, through electronic tools by a single person or a group, which deliberately aim to hurt or damage another who cannot defend himself. The main aim of this study was to gather national data on cyberviolence in order to explore better how young people (aged 18–25) understand and experience this phenomenon and what maybe the most suitable actions to limit it. The data analysis explored three main issues: (1) The main platforms used by Generation Z on which cyberviolence can occur; (2) The level of knowledge and awareness that Generation Z has about the different forms of cyberviolence and their dangerousness; (3) The features of social media perceived as most dangerous by the respondents. The article also proposes a reflection on the actual level of awareness of young people about this issue and the need to consider digital literacy programmes that aim to teach young people how to analyse the media critically.