GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EXPERIENCING CYBER-BULLYING AND CYBER-STALKING AMONG YOUNG ADULTS Masooma Mubasher

Abstract

This research specifically aims to investigate the prevalence of online harassment among boys and girls. A study on the perception and experiences of young adults regarding online harassment victimization has been selected with the topic "Gender differences in experiencing cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking." It offers detailed insights into their experiences and behaviours concerning cyber bullying, as well as the impact of cyber bullying on their lives and their coping strategies. This qualitative study employs a purposive sampling technique, with 12 participants (6 males and 6 females) aged 19 to 30 from various colleges and universities engaging in in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was utilized to transcribe and analyze the interviews. The findings reveal no significant gender differences in cyber bullying and cyber stalking experiences among young adults. Both boys and girls were found to be targets of online harassment, but they often refrained from reporting such incidents due to privacy concerns. The primary challenge for future cyber bullying prevention efforts will be keeping up with the rapid advancements in technology.

Keywords: Cyber bullying, cyber-stalking, social networking sites, young adults, online moral disengagement.