VIRTUAL VICTIMS: A QUALITATIVE INQUIRY OF HOW CYBER BULLYING ERODES SELF-ESTEEM OF YOUTH IN PUNJAB

Abstract

Because of the growing use of the internet and social networking sites among adolescents, cyberbullying is becoming a serious problem. Cyberbullying has been shown in studies to create mental health problems in victims, leaving them feeling lonely, sad, and rejected. The goal of this research was to find out how cyberbullying is negatively affecting youth. The study will look at the causes of cyberbullying in youth and the consequences of cyberbullying on youth's self-esteem. This was a qualitative study and the in-depth interviews were conducted, with the help of interview guide. The sample was collected by following snowball sampling. The inclusion criterion for this research was the people who have experienced cyberbullying between the ages of 18 to 24. The study employed thematic analysis to analysis the data. Study found that in the age of internet and social media, victims get threatened by social media as they do not want to viral their certain pictures and videos. It is getting trendy in new generation to get involve themselves inillegal relationships. Lack of parental supervision is also a leading cause of cyber bullying.  The study also found that one’s self-esteem is greatly affected because of people cold and harsh treatment towards the victims, depression, isolation, and being left out adds up to the insecurities as they are already going through.