Cybervictimization in Canada: Does gender matter in terms of social and behavioral traits?

• In Event: Risks for Victimization in the Cyber World

Abstract

Social support and individual behavioral traits online and offline have been identified as influential factors that would affect cybervictimization. However, it has been argued that there are growing gendered concerns over the dangers of being a victim of cyberbullying/cyberstalking. Therefore, this study aims to explore how gender differences along with social/behavioral attributes would affect cybervictimization by using the Canadian General Social Survey. The results revealed that a higher risk of cyberbullying/cyberstalking victimization for men and women is associated with more internet usage, problematic behaviors, and concerns of incapable guardianship. Yet, females might still be more vulnerable than their male counterparts to being cybervictimized. Policy implications are also discussed to provide new insight into the provisions of counter cyberbullying/cyberstalking.

Authors

• Ming-Li Hsieh, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

• Shun-Yung Kevin Wang, TAMU System - Tarleton State University

• Xiaohan Mei, California State University, Los Angeles

• Liqun Cao, Ontario Tech University