Problem:
Bullying in any form is very harmful to our society. People who are constantly in the habit of bullying others can cause psychological harm to the victim and the instigator. According to the American Psychological Association, the acts of bullying are an "Unwanted, repeated, and intentional aggressive behavior among school-going aged children involving a real or perceived power imbalance. It includes physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying, causing severe, lasting, or psychological harm". In today's discussion, an explanation for how people who engage in cyberbullying, most especially adolescents, can be rewarded socially and psychologically, because they are often involved in inappropriate behaviors. These unacceptable behaviors derive from the human brain's reward system, which reinforces behaviors that are perpetuated. Cyberbullying provides these rewards, which are primarily rooted in the desire for power, control, and validation within digital social environments. According to the Pew Research Center, "88% of teens say they have witnessed people being cruel to another person online." A study by Common Sense Media found that "4 in 10 teenage social-media users say they often or sometimes encounter sexist, homophobic, or racist comments online."
According to Carl Pickhardt, a renowned psychologist, wrote by asking a very significant question, "Why Good Kids Act Cruel": "As adolescents jockey for social position and ascendency, good kids are in danger of mistreating each other to feel better or keep from getting hurt. Unchecked, even good children can start believing that this mistreatment is okay." This question shows how youth, most especially adolescents, are primarily engaged in cyberbullying since they usually are indoors on their computers and are not involved in outdoor activities. The lack of outdoor activities leaves many children glued to their computers and leads them to engage with peers 100 miles away via social media. This engagement can expose many children to harmful ideas that can be used to bully others.
Respond to at least two colleagues and answer the following question:
How might the findings described by your colleague be used to inform helpful strategies for teachers and parents dealing with an adolescent cyberbully? Need Assignment Help?
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the social psychology theory and research. In addition to the Learning Resources, search the Walden Library and/or Internet for peer-reviewed articles to support your post and responses. Use proper APA format and citations, including those in the Learning Resources.
References:
Aronson, E., Wilson, T. D., Sommers, S. R., Page-Gould, E., & Lewis Jr., N. (Eds.). (2023). Social psychology (11th ed.). Pearson.
Chapter 12, "Aggression: Why Do We Hurt Other People? Can We Prevent It?"
Watts, L. K., Wagner, J., Velasquez, B., & Behrens, P. I. (2017). Cyberbullying in higher education: A literature review. Computers in Human Behavior, 69, 268-274.
Moller, A. C., & Deci, E. L. (2010). Interpersonal control, dehumanization, and violence: A selfdetermination theory perspective. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 13(1), 41- 53.