Young Adult Internet Usage and Aggression: In-vivo Aggression in the Era of Cyberbullies

Deborah A Williams, Pace University

Abstract

As communication becomes more technology based with less emphasis on in-vivo communication, it is important to understand the effects of prolonged technology use (specifically Internet usage) on interpersonal interactions. Online communications and prolonged Internet usage have been found to impact how people express and understand social cues. Previous studies have shown that Internet usage and certain online communications can negatively effect in-vivo social interactions in adolescents. This study examined the effects of Internet usage on in-vivo aggression in young adults, ages 18-24; as well as the moderating effect of cyberbully status on this relationship. Participants were given questionnaires to assess their Internet usage, online aggression, online victimization, and in-vivo aggression. Findings indicated that there was a significant relationship between Internet usage and in-vivo aggression; such that as Internet usage increased, in-vivo aggression increased. Cyberbully status was found to be a moderator for this relationship. For cyberbullies, cyberbully/victim, and abstainers in-vivo aggression increased as Internet usage Increased. However, those participants who reported being victims of cyberbullying displayed a decrease in in-vivo aggression as Internet usage increased. No differences were found between cyberbullies, cyberbully/victims, and abstainers in their moderating effect on the relationship between Internet usage and in-vivo aggression. Future research and implications are discussed.

Subject Area

Social psychology|Psychology

Recommended Citation

Williams, Deborah A, "Young Adult Internet Usage and Aggression: In-vivo Aggression in the Era of Cyberbullies" (2014). ETD Collection for Pace University. AAI3581432.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/dissertations/AAI3581432

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