Abstract
The study was an empirical exploration of the kinds of communication technologies used in perpetrating different forms of Cyber Dating Abuse. The study was guided by Routine activities theory which states that the daily activities that individuals engage in make them susceptible to Cyber Dating Abuse. The study utilized data collected from 315 dating undergraduate students from selected universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The research design used in the study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey. The results showed that respondents mainly used smartphones to constantly exchange calls, text messages and instant messages on social media. Instant messaging on WhatsApp was most frequently used to perpetrate Cyber Dating Abuse. The findings indicate that the social interaction afforded by the use of various digital media made it possible for motivated offenders to encounter suitable victims (in this case their partners). An extended use of digital media by the victims increased their visibility and accessibility to the offender. A Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient r (313) = 0.20, p ≤ 0.001 established that the amount of time spent online was statistically and significantly positively associated with higher Cyber Dating Abuse victimization. Since digital media keeps evolving with chances that the youth will keep using it, this implies that Cyber Dating Abuse victimization is likely to persist. This calls for a need for universities to have critical discussions on how Cyber Dating Abuse, can be prevented to avoid its escalation which may lead to worse consequences on students’ psychological health and academic outcomes.
Highlights
The advancement in technology in the contemporary world has provided appropriate tools for perpetrators to harass, threaten and socially embarrass their victims in their intimate relationships
The findings indicated that all the respondents with dating experience 315 (100%) owned mobile phones and 314 (99.7%) had access to the internet
Based on the results from this study, it is concluded that the respondents’ routine activities involved constant exchange of calls, Short Messaging Services (SMS), online chats providing avenues for CDA victimization. This arose out of the need by the respondents to remain connected with their romantic partners using digital media
Summary
The advancement in technology in the contemporary world has provided appropriate tools for perpetrators to harass, threaten and socially embarrass their victims in their intimate relationships This is so as the availability of different contemporary communication technologies encourage constant communication among lovers. Much of this communication has been moved online as the youth communicate regularly through e-mail, text messages, phone calls, instant messages and social media. It is in this daily interaction as part of their regular routine that the high usage exposes victims to a new form of intimate partner violence referred to as cyber dating abuse. Their use poses a great risk to people’s lives as they can be tools of destruction used by partners to harm others
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