Date of Award

12-18-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. John Caputo

Second Advisor

Dr. Carolyn Cunningham

Abstract

Cyberbullying consequences are increasingly turning tragic with the victims committing suicide. Cyberbullying is carried out through computer mediated communication and due to public nature of social media platforms, it is natural to believe any number of individuals are witnessing any and all acts of communication. This becomes especially problematic during cyberbullying encounters because the victim is vulnerable to hurtful communication from anyone who views the attack. The victim is also subject to humiliation because of sharing capabilities that computer mediated communication provides. However, it has been proven that bullies will typically back down in face-to-face situations if a witness intervenes, so it could be hypothesized that the same would hold true in cyberbullying instances. This study takes the first step in researching personal action accounts of witnesses. The study examines bystander behavior and communication in cyberbullying encounters to help determine why bystanders behave the way they do when witnessing cyberbullying. To better understand bystander behavior, the study was analyzed through the steps detailed in the bystander apathy theory. The study was conducted through a convenience sample survey, focus groups, individual interviews, and email correspondence. Results of the study demonstrate that bystanders do go through a step-by-step process similar to the steps in the bystander apathy theory to determine whether they will or will not intervene. The study also produced three common themes of non-intervention: lack of responsibility, trivialization of the situation, and fear of embarrassment.

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