THE INTERNET AS A TOOL FOR BULLYING – A SCIENTIFIC VIEW: CAUSES AND FACTORS

Abstract

The article focuses on the problem of cyberbullying among adolescents, since it is during this age period that interpersonal contacts acquire significant importance and become a key resource for emotional support and the formation of social competencies. The aim of the article is to identify the main causes and factors contributing to the emergence of cyberbullying among adolescents. It is noted that adolescence is characterized by an intense search for oneself and the need for self-realization among peers. That is why the Internet space becomes an attractive social platform for adolescents, where they can test their own communicative abilities and form a social identity. At the same time, dangers arise in the digital environment, such as cyberbullying – deliberate, repeated acts of an aggressive nature by one person or group, aimed at causing emotional or psychological harm. Such manifestations can occur through social networks, instant messaging services, email, or other online platforms. It is noted that the Internet acts as a tool for bullying due to a number of characteristic features: ease in establishing contact, anonymity, invisibility, creation of a «virtual self», difficulty in expressing emotions, lack of a non-verbal component, and peculiarities of speech. It is noted that online bullying can be more powerful than usual and affects adolescents’ self-image, low self-esteem, loss of confidence, and motivation to achieve personal goals. The content of the concept of cyberbullying is revealed and the causes and factors that increase the risk of cyberbullying occurrence and spread are examined in detail. Among them are the effect of disinhibiting teenagers’ behavior in the online space, which is manifested in a decrease in internal censorship during communication, the psychological insecurity of abusers and their desire to control others, as well as the perception of cyberbullying as entertainment. The results of a study on the prevalence of online bullying among teenagers are presented. It was found that the surveyed teenagers most often encounter name-calling via SMS and online messages, offensive comments, the spread of rumors and gossip, being ignored on social networks, and the publication of embarrassing photo or video content. Factors that influence the occurrence of cyberbullying in adolescents have been identified, namely individual, school, social and technological factors. Attention is focused on the need for a comprehensive approach to combating cyberbullying and the development of a preventive work program with strategic directions.