Bias-based cyberaggression, which includes hateful and prejudiced content shared through digital platforms, is a common experience for young internet users. This kind of online behaviour can have harmful effects on both individuals and society as a whole. We conducted a systematic review of research dealing with young people's experiences, risk and protective factors and consequences of bias-based cyberaggression.
Bias-based cyberaggression is a broad term covering various harmful and toxic online behaviours. It refers to any online actions or expressions (whether text, audio, or visual) that target individuals or groups based on their group characteristics or identities. This kind of behaviour is often linked to negative biases like stereotypes or prejudice. While there is plenty of research on young people's experiences with bias-based cyberaggression, a comprehensive summary has been lacking. To address this, we systematically reviewed research articles from January 2010 to July 2022 that focused on bias-based cyberaggression targeting ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender, weight, or disability. To capture the different ways young people can be involved in bias-based cyberaggression, we differentiated between witnesses (those who are exposed), victims, and perpetrators.
The results reveal that most research has focused on the experiences of victims, particularly bias-based cyberaggression targeting ethnicity, race, nationality, and religion. This leaves a gap in understanding other targeted group categories, such as weight or disability, and the behaviours of those who witness or perpetrate bias-based cyberaggression.
Our method
The identification of risk factors showed that exposure to bias-based cyberaggression and experiences of victimisation are linked to negative psychological outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, stress, and worry. Due to the cross-sectional nature of the findings, these psychological outcomes could also be considered vulnerability factors. In other words, individuals with low psychological well-being might be more at risk of becoming witnesses to or victims of bias-based cyberaggression. Other identified risk factors include being a minority and engaging in high and risky internet use. Additionally, there is a notable overlap between involvement in bias-based cyberaggression and other forms of offline and online victimisation and online risks. Longitudinal research further demonstrates a vicious cycle of violence, where witnesses and victims of cyberaggression related to origin, religion, sexual orientation, and gender can also become perpetrators.
Lastly, our review showed that we still have limited knowledge about protective factors that could shield young people from involvement in bias-based cyberaggression, whether as victims or perpetrators. More focus should also be given to social-level and contextual factors.
Implications for practice
Prevention and intervention strategies should focus on vulnerable young people among minorities, those with low psychological well-being, and those engaging in high and risky internet use, in order to reduce their potential involvement in bias-based cyberaggression.
Implications for policy
Policies against bias-based cyberaggression should address the diverse ways it manifests in young people's experiences, ranging from bias-based cyberbullying to extremist content and hate speech.
Implications for research
Longitudinal and experimental research is needed to clarify the relationship between involvement in bias-based cyberaggression and negative aspects of psychological well-being.
There is a need for further investigation into cyberaggression targeting weight and sexual orientation or gender. Such research would complement the extensive findings we have on cyberaggression related to origin and ethnicity, allowing for more informed comparisons of risk and protective factors across different vulnerable groups.
Further investigation is needed into protective factors, especially social-level factors, contextual factors, and coping strategies.
Interested in the original manuscript?
Jaron Bedrosova, M., Dufkova, E., Machackova, H., Huang, Y., & Blaya, C. (2024). Bias-based cyberaggression related to origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and weight: Systematic review of young people’s experiences, risk and protective factors, and the consequences. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380241275971
With December here and the semester wrapping up, we closed out 2024 by hosting an engaging research workshop on new trends in experimental design. It was a perfect opportunity to dive into cutting-edge methods, spark fresh ideas, and reflect on how innovation continues to drive research forward.
We published a new research report, "Cyberhate targeting the body: Young Czech people’s perceptions of cyberhate that targets weight and physical disability". Read more in the article.
