Cyberbullying Victimization among Heterosexual and Non-Heterosexual Adolescents

Cyberbullying is referred to as a cybercrime. It is a new form of bullying as it is a repeated behavior of bullying causing psychological or emotional harm to another individual using sources like- social networking sites, online games and through communication devices. People of different genders, and sexual-orientation like- transgender, lesbian, gay and bisexual people are at a higher risk of cyberbullying victimization within the population because of their sexual preferences. This study aims to compare the cyberbullying victimization differences among heterosexual and non-heterosexual adolescents. In addition, the study also explores the possible differences of cyberbullying across various platforms such as, online games, social media, and through email and cell phone. Total 131 adolesents 12-17 years of age participated in the study from the different cities and 100 (N=100) individuals finally included in the study, the sample further sub divided into two groups of Heterosexual (n=50) and Non-Heterosexual (n=50) Individuals. The Data analysis was done using SPSS version 27.0. In the data analysis descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U Test was implemented. The results indicated that there is a significant difference in Cyberbullying victimization between Heterosexual and Non-Heterosexual Adolesents. Non-Heterosexual Individuals are more cyberbullied than the Heterosexual Individuals in accordance to our findings. In addition, Non-Heterosexual individuals reported more cyberbullying victimization than Heterosexual Victimization on online gaming platforms, social media platforms and through email and cell phone.