Indirect cyber violence and general strain theory: Findings from the 2018 Korean youth survey

Abstract

Cyber violence, defined herein as harm being inflicted with digital devices across an internet environment, is a growing concern globally. Past studies that examined cyber violence within a General Strain Theory framework frequently viewed cyber violence as the strain source. In contrast, our study positioned a unique manifestation of cyber violence, indirect online aggression, as the deviant outcome among a sample of South Korean adolescents. Through the lens of General Strain Theory, this study found that anger and alcohol use were significant factors increasing indirect cyber violence, whereas gender and negative relationship with friends were not significant. Recommendations for future research and policy implications were also discussed.