Echoes of the Keyboard: A Deep Dive into Cyber bullying’s Emotional Aftermath

Abstract

Cyber bullying is a deliberate and repeated act of aggression, often aimed at individuals perceived to have less social or physical power, with the intent to intimidate, harm, or dominate. While bullying can occur in various settings, its growing prevalence in educational institutions in Pakistan poses significant concerns. In today’s digital age, young adults increasingly derive self-worth and social identity through online interactions. This virtual space, with its anonymity, lack of regulation, and broad reach, has become fertile ground for cyber bullying. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of cyber bullying, the coping mechanisms employed by students, and its psychological impact among Pakistan college students in Islamabad. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate students. Standardized self-report tools were used to assess experiences of cyber bullying and cyber victimization, coping strategies, self-esteem, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Among 190 participants, 50% reported being victims of cyber bullying. Common coping strategies included the use of technical measures, seeking support from peers, and directly confronting the bully. The findings highlight the widespread nature and detrimental psychological effects of cyber bullying among Indian medical students. There is an urgent need for awareness programs and institutional policies to support affected students and address this growing mental health challenge.

Keywords: Aggressive, Hostile, Generation, Strategies, Cyber Bullying