Cyberbullying: Meaning and Concept Review under the Context of Thai Society

Abstract

This article examined the meanings and the characteristics of cyberbullying in Thailand. Moreover, it also compared the differences between cyberbullying and other similar behaviors which are normally mentioned when cyberbullying has become an issue in Thailand, such as disrespect, defamation, cyber harassment, including hate speech. This study adopted the documentary research approach. Literature review was the main source for data collection. The findings indicated that the existing definition and the elements of cyberbullying in Thailand require reconceptualization. This is because the context of the Thai society is different from those of other countries – especially the Thai society tends to use common words, and to create new words should be understood as cyberbullying. Additionally, some Thai people use cyberbullying to build friendships among friends. Furthermore, this research also found the differences between cyberbullying and cyber-harassment. We suggested that cyberbullying should be defined as any actions which lead to hurt feelings, humiliation, pain, humility, inferiority, or mental suffering of the victims, while cyber-harassment should be referred to any actions causing fear, insecurity or feeling suspicious.