Cyberbullying and Online Aggression
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in CyberPsychology course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Anonymity #
The state of being unknown or unacknowledged. In the context of Cyberbullying and Online Aggression, anonymity can empower perpetrators to carry out harmful actions without fear of consequences, as their identity remains hidden.
Cyberbullying #
The use of digital communication tools, such as the internet and mobile phones, to harass, intimidate, or threaten individuals. Cyberbullying can take many forms, including sending mean or threatening messages, spreading rumors, or posting embarrassing or harmful content.
Cyberstalking #
The use of the internet or other electronic means to stalk or harass an individual, typically with the intention of causing fear or distress. Cyberstalking can include activities such as sending threatening messages, monitoring online activity, or posting personal information online without consent.
Digital footprint #
The trail of data that individuals leave behind as they use digital technologies, including social media, search engines, and online forums. A digital footprint can include personal information, browsing history, and online interactions, and can be used to track an individual's online activity.
Doxing #
The act of searching for and publishing private or identifying information about an individual on the internet, typically with malicious intent. Doxing can be used to harass, intimidate, or threaten individuals, and can result in serious consequences, including physical harm.
Flaming #
The act of sending hostile or abusive messages to an individual or group online. Flaming is often used to express anger or frustration, and can escalate into more serious forms of cyberbullying or online aggression.
Hate speech #
Speech that attacks, threatens, or insults individuals or groups based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. Hate speech is often used to incite violence or discrimination, and can contribute to a hostile online environment.
Impersonation #
The act of pretending to be another person online, typically with the intention of causing harm or deceit. Impersonation can take many forms, including creating fake social media profiles, sending fraudulent messages, or posing as a trusted authority figure.
Online aggression #
Any behavior that is intended to cause harm, distress, or humiliation to an individual or group online. Online aggression can take many forms, including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, flaming, hate speech, and impersonation.
Online disinhibition effect #
The phenomenon where individuals behave differently online than they would in face-to-face interactions, often due to the reduced social cues and perceived anonymity of the online environment. The online disinhibition effect can contribute to the escalation of online aggression, as individuals may feel emboldened to engage in harmful behavior without fear of consequences.
Phishing #
The act of sending fraudulent messages or creating fake websites in order to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. Phishing is a form of cybercrime that can result in financial loss, identity theft, and other serious consequences.
Sexting #
The act of sending sexually explicit messages or images via digital communication tools, such as text messages or social media. Sexting can be consensual and non-harmful, but can also be used as a form of cyberbullying or online aggression, particularly when images are shared without consent.
Trolling #
The act of posting inflammatory or offensive messages in online forums or social media with the intention of provoking a reaction or causing disruption. Trolling can contribute to a hostile online environment, and can escalate into more serious forms of cyberbullying or online aggression.
Victim blaming #
The tendency to hold victims responsible for the harm they have experienced, rather than the perpetrator. In the context of cyberbullying and online aggression, victim blaming can take the form of suggesting that individuals should not have posted certain content online, or should have done more to protect themselves.
Virtual mobbing #
The coordinated harassment of an individual or group online, often through the use of social media or other digital communication tools. Virtual mobbing can involve large numbers of individuals, and can result in serious harm, including emotional distress and physical threats.
Webcam blackmail #
The act of threatening to share sexually explicit images or videos of an individual, typically obtained through webcam recordings, unless the individual meets certain demands. Webcam blackmail is a form of cybercrime that can result in serious consequences, including financial loss, identity theft, and reputational damage.
In conclusion, the glossary terms provided above offer a comprehensive overview… #
Understanding these terms is essential for anyone working in the field of CyberPsychology, as well as for individuals who use digital communication tools in their daily lives. By familiarizing themselves with these terms, individuals can better protect themselves and others from the harmful effects of online aggression, and contribute to a safer and more respectful online environment.