THE UNDERLYING MECHANISM OF CYBERBULLYING ON YOUTH: A LITERATURE REVIEW AND FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS

Abstract

Cyberbullying among youth is an issue that is discussed at various levels nowadays. This issue has a huge impact on communication patterns and personal interactions in the digital world. This study explores how cyberbullying impacts youth communication by examining its various forms, underlying mechanisms, and effects. Cyberbullying significantly affects communication by altering youth communication styles, undermining their trust in online platforms, and influencing their online self-presentation. Moreover, cyberbullying incidents can impact real-life relationships and impede the development of positive interpersonal skills in youth. Based on the problems and issues raised regarding cyberbully, this article aims to explore how cyberbullying impacts youth communication by examining its various forms and underlying mechanisms of cyberbullying, including the sense of anonymity and lack of inhibition online, as well as the moral disengagement exhibited by cyberbullies. Additionally, this article also suggests coping strategies for dealing with cyberbullying to enhanced youth communication style, including seeking support, documenting evidence, reporting and blocking, and practicing emotional self-care.