Perceived Motivation Differences for Cyberbullying of University Students in Thailand: Impact of Urbanization

Abstract

Urbanization causes both prospects and challenges; urban settings can lead to significant inequalities and social problems. Cyberbullying is a major social problem and presents a dangerous threat in today's digital world to youth and adults alike. The objectives of this study were to study cyberbullying experience and the perception of cyberbullying motivation of Thai university students. In addition, this study investigated the difference in cyberbullying experience and perception of cyberbullying motivation of Thai university students living in urban areas and rural areas. This study employed cross-sectional design and conducted with university students who were 18-25 years of age with a sample of 392. Results indicated that there was no difference between the proportions of university students in urban and rural areas reporting both cyberbully perpetrators and cyberbully victims. However, students in urban areas tended to perceive anonymity as a motivation for cyberbullying more than students in rural areas. On the other hand, students in rural areas tended to perceive enjoyment as a motivation for cyberbullying more than those in urban areas. The findings help promote understanding of motivational factors, which may assist in prevention and intervention when dealing with cyberbully perpetrators.