Page 211 - RUICHSS 2023 Proceeding

University of Ruhuna ISSN: 2706-0063
Matara, Sri Lanka

experience feelings of comprehension, satisfaction, and reassurance,

particularly when engaging with like-minded communities. However, it is
noteworthy that the virtual environment may also introduce adverse

occurrences, such as instances of online harassment into individuals' lives.

Thus, the research questions are: (1) How does cyberbullying affect users in
their teenage years? (2) What are the main reasons for aggressive behaviour

to get triggered in the virtual environment? (3) How do users deal with their
feelings and psyche after experiencing cyberbullying?

A survey methodology was employed to undertake the quantitative research.
This research method involved the distribution of an online questionnaire,

which was administered to a sample size of 243 participants in May 2021.
The survey was aimed at the broader public, with a particular focus on

individuals who had experienced cyberbullying at least once in their lifetime
during adolescence, specifically up to the age of 18. The study encompassed

respondents from diverse geographic backgrounds, including both urban

and rural areas. It is important to note that all participants in this study, all
of whom were aged 18 or older, were assured of their anonymity during the

research. Their participation in the survey was entirely voluntary, and strict

measures were implemented to maintain the confidentiality of the data
collected. All the responses provided by participants were exclusively

utilised for statistical interpretation and were not disclosed or used for any
other purpose.

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