Understanding the Prevalence and Forms of Cyber Bullying at Univen: A Pilot Study
Journal Title: Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies - Year 2017, Vol 7, Issue 1
Abstract
Bullying is a phenomenon which is as old as the human race. However, with the advent of new Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) new forms of bullying, commonly known as cyber bullying, have developed in society. The phenomenon is perceived by many to be a deviant practice among adolescents and teenagers in environments such as schools and colleges. Much academic work on cyber bullying has focused on school children, yet in institutions of higher learning such as universities show that cyber bullying has also become a noticeable problem, worthy of study. Using the Routine Activity Theory (RAT), this article explores the prevalence and forms of cyber bullying at the University of Venda (UNIVEN), a historically disadvantaged, rural-based institution of higher learning, which is still facing various capacity and infrastructural challenges. Key data that form the basis of this article were collected through a structured questionnaire from a sample of 2014 first year students at UNIVEN. The findings revealed high levels of cyber bullying among UNIVEN first year students. The study findings also revealed a need for more research on the phenomenon in order to establish the causes, effects and possible solutions to this growing scourge at UNIVEN.
Authors and Affiliations
Memory Mabika| University of Venda, South Africa, Bevelyn Dube| University of Venda, South Africa
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP10109
- DOI -
- Views 438
- Downloads 19
The Art Work and Triology of “Intellect – Action – Knowledgeâ€
Circulation of information produced by art as a consumable in the society has always been difficult for all times. Since art has developed an understanding beyond commonalities and general out-passes of values has alway...
Blogging during a Crisis: Threat and Efficacy in Online Communication during a Hurricane
Analyses of weather blogs reveal topics discussed by bloggers before Hurricane Ike. Messages included all four components (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, response efficacy, and self-efficacy) of the Exte...
Dynamics of Literary Texts And Diffusion
There are two major views to literature. The first and older one treats literature as something, invented by human for cultural needs. The traditional studies in literature employ this view evaluating cultural value of...
Creative Meanings within the Context of an Advertising Campaign
This article approaches the cultural psychology to interpret the semiosis of a concept used within the communication of an organization by considering the interactions among persons and culture mediated by a creative p...
Usability Testing of an HPV Information Website for Parents and Adolescents
Objective: Parents make the decisions regarding their children’s health care. Unfortunately, many parents are misinformed about HPV and HPV vaccines. In order to help parents make an informed decision regarding HPV v...