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To Intervene or not to Intervene: Young adults’ views on When and How to Intervene in Online Harassment.

Davidovic, A., Talbot, C., Hamilton-Giachritsis, C. and Joinson, A., 2023. To Intervene or not to Intervene: Young adults’ views on When and How to Intervene in Online Harassment. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 28 (5), zmad027.

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DOI: 10.1093/jcmc/zmad027

Abstract

Incidents of online harassment are increasing and can have significant consequences for victims. Witnesses (‘digital bystanders’) can be crucial in identifying and challenging harassment. This study considered when and how young adults intervene online, with the aim of understanding the applicability of existing theoretical models (i.e., Bystander Intervention Model; Response Decision-Making Framework). Thematic analysis of eight focus groups (UK community sample, N=67, 18-25 years) resulted in five themes: Noticing and Interpreting the Harassment, Perceived Responsibility for Helping, Consequences of Intervening, Perceived Ability to Make a Difference, and Deciding How to Help. The online context amplified offline preferences, such as greater preference for anonymity and perceived costs of intervention (e.g., social costs). Intervention strategies varied in visibility and effort, preferring ‘indirect’ micro-interventions focused on supporting victims. A new, merged model specific to digital bystanders is proposed, with implications for the design and messaging on Social Networking Sites (SNS) discussed.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:1083-6101
Uncontrolled Keywords:social networking sites; online communities; qualitative methods; young adults; bystanders
Group:Faculty of Science & Technology
ID Code:38742
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:30 Jun 2023 11:01
Last Modified:29 May 2024 14:23

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