Adolescents’ Antisocial Media Use Increases Their Cyberbullying Behavior: A Longitudinal Study

• In Event: Aggression, Bullying, and Fear in a Media-Rich Environment: High-Density Session

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of adolescents’ antisocial media exposure on cyberbullying behavior over time. Following previous research, we proposed that exposure to antisocial media content would increase cyberbullying behavior. Furthermore, we assumed boys and girls to differ in this respect. These assumptions were tested in a longitudinal design with three waves (N = 1006). Results of mixed model analyses showed that higher levels of exposure to media with antisocial content significantly contributed to higher initial rates of cyberbullying behavior. Furthermore, an increase in exposure to antisocial media content was significantly related to an increase in cyberbullying behavior over time. Additionally, boys had higher initial cyberbullying rates than girls and both in boys and girls, an increase in exposure to antisocial media content was significantly related to an increase in cyberbullying behavior over time. Results will be discussed in view of adolescents’ media use and the larger theoretical framework.

Authors

• Anouk H. den Hamer, VU University

• Elly A. Konijn, VU U - Amsterdam