EXPLORING CYBER BULLYING BEHAVIOURS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN PAKISTAN: ISSUES, TRENDS AND SOLUTIONS
Sobia Masood1*, Dr. Sajida Naz2
1Ms. Sobia Masood, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Pakistan, sobia.masood1@gmail.com
2Dr. Sajida Naz, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Pakistan, Sajida.naz@gmail.com
*Corresponding Author
Abstract
An exploratory study was conducted on young adults of Islamabad and Rawalpindi of Pakistan in order to understand the cultural context of online bullying behavior and its prevalent trends. Cyberbullying is a phenomenon which is prevalent in this day and age owing to the widespread use of the internet and various social media applications. However, the experience of cyber bullying behavior varies in different cultures and is influenced by various factors such as power dynamics in society, gender, age, caste and identity. This study explores the many avenues and experiences of individuals as both bullies and as victims of this behavior, as well as examines their knowledge of the strategies in place to temper such incidents in both social and legal circles. Data was collected from 15 individuals (M=03. F=12) between the ages of 18-30 years who were students from various universities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The individuals self-selected themselves to be part of the three focus groups conducted after being informed of the topic under discussion. Each focus group lasted between 60 to 95 minutes on average and data was collected in a week’s time. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The emerging themes centered on the gender differences as both bully and victim in the incidences and type of cyber bullying experienced by the participants e.g. blaming female participants for becoming victims; awareness of cyber-crime laws and challenges of implementation and prosecution; being bullied by their own family members rather than friends, distress experienced due to embellished comments on their activities and choice of friends and fear of disappointing parents. These results tie in with the collectivistic culture of the society, in which power dynamics have a significant impact on the perception of bullying, especially regarding gender and the relationship dynamics in the family unit. Further information regarding the need, flexibility and implementation of cyber bullying laws are recommended as a helpful resource.
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