An Examination on the Factors Influencing Cyberbullying among Generation Y on Facebook Commenters in Vietnam

Abstract

This study delves into the psychological impacts of cyberbullying and digital vigilantism on Vietnamese internet users, particularly Generation Y (aged 28-42 years old). By combining semi-structured interviews, text analysis, and secondary data analysis, the research sheds light on adolescent online behavior and aggression. Thematic analysis will identify recurring patterns in the data, aiming to contribute valuable insights for understanding and preventing cyberbullying. The study explores how online comments influence real-world outcomes by focusing on Facebook commenters as active key informants shaping public opinion. It examines factors of cyberbullying through theoretical frameworks like Routine Activities Theory while investigating the mental health consequences for victims. Additionally, the research analyzes the effects of digital vigilantism on cyber victims and public figures within the Vietnamese context. The findings revealed that: (1) the underlying reasons and motivations behind these differences in perspectives about commenting on Facebook; (2) the effects of their perspectives manifest as concrete actions on social media and (3) effectives solutions for addressing cyberbullying in Vietnam based on in-depth interviews and the insights gained from collective data. In-depth interviews are used as the main instrument of this study. In detail, key informants show their perspectives about the two cases: (*) News about the 17th COVID victim in Vietnam: Debunking Six Myths about Vietnam’s 17th Victim of COVID-19 and (**) News in Korea Sulli: The woman who rebelled against the K-pop world.

This study explores the impact of cyberbullying on Vietnamese youth (Generation Y) despite the lack of specific laws. It uses various sources to offer insights for understanding and preventing this issue in Vietnam.