Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Sep 11, 2019
Date Accepted: Mar 24, 2020
The Mediating Effect of Internet Addiction in the Relationship between Individualism and Cyberbullying
ABSTRACT
Background:
Among a variety of dynamics that may influence Internet-related behaviors, cultural orientation is particularly important. Previous studies suggest that individualism is a strong determinant of aggressive behavior. In addition, findings suggest that vertical individualism may lead to the development of more tolerance for addiction and aggression.
Objective:
The study aimed to investigate whether vertical individualism has significant positive effects on cyberbullying and Internet addiction and whether horizontal individualism has significant negative effects on cyberbullying and Internet addiction. A theoretical model was specified to test the relationships among vertical versus horizontal individualism, cyberbullying, and Internet addiction.
Methods:
A total of 665 college students were selected using convenience sampling method and willingly participated in the study. Participants’ ages ranged from 17 years old to 19 years old (mean age=17.94, SD=1.12). Of the group, 462 were women (69.5 %) and 203 were men (30.5%). Study majors represented are mathematics (n=113, 17%), science (n=102, 15.3%), instructional technology (n=99, 14.9%), psychology (n=98, 14.7%), and others (n=253, 38.1%). Self-report instruments were used to measure vertical/horizontal individualism, cyberbullying, and Internet addiction.
Results:
Results show significant positive effect of vertical individualism (.10) and significant negative effect of horizontal individualism (-.12) on cyberbullying. In addition, the direct effect of vertical individualism on Internet addiction was significant (.28) but the direct effect of horizontal individualism was not (-.05). Finally, Internet addiction had a significant direct effect on cyberbullying (.39) as well as an intervening effect in the relationship between vertical individualism and cyberbullying. Results also indicate significant gender differences in cultural patterns and Internet addiction.
Conclusions:
The findings suggested that horizontal and vertical individualism have a significant effect on Internet addiction. The findings also suggested that vertical individualists are more vulnerable to the Internet addiction. Further, the findings indicated a significant relationship between Internet addiction and cyberbullying.
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