The relationship between perceived anonymity, belief in the irrelevance of muscularity, and compassion in cyberbullying

Abstract

With the advancement of communication technology, cyberbullying has become a global concern. Few studies in Hong Kong have examined the variables that may influence cyberbullying behavior. The current study utilized a cross-sectional design to investigate the relationship between perceived anonymity, belief in the irrelevance of muscularity for online behavior, cyberbullying attitudes, and cyberbullying perpetration. The possible moderating effect of self-compassion on the above variables was also examined. 209 teenagers and young adults were recruited to complete an online questionnaire with measures of perceived anonymity, belief in the irrelevance of muscularity for online behavior, positive attitudes towards cyberbullying, cyberbullying perpetration, and self-compassion. The results indicated that perceived anonymity and belief in the irrelevance of muscularity for online behavior significantly predicted positive attitudes towards cyberbullying, which furthered predicted cyberbullying perpetration. Self-compassion was found to be a significant moderator which weakens the effect of perceived anonymity on cyberbullying attitudes. The findings not only help to expand understanding of the possible mechanism of cyberbullying behavior, but also shed light on the preventive measures against cyberbullying behavior in local community.