From Online Aggression to Offline Silence: A Longitudinal Examination of Bullying Victimization, Dark Triad Traits, and Cyberbullying

TL;DR

This study explores how real-life bullying and dark personality traits influence online aggression and how these dynamics change over time.

Contribution

The study introduces the new label 'From Online Aggression to Offline Silence' to describe the paradoxical relationship between bullying and cyberbullying.

Findings

Adolescents show increased cyberbullying after real-life victimization.

Bullying experiences reduce cyberbullying among those with dark triad traits.

The study reveals paradoxical mechanisms linking victimization, personality traits, and cyberbullying.

Abstract

A significant body of research has documented the aggressive and antisocial tendencies of individuals with dark triad personality traits. Although the prevalence of dark personalities in online environments is often criticized, there is a need to explore effective strategies to mitigate or stop such behaviors. This study aims to shed light on the intriguing phenomenon of “Giants on the Internet, cowards in real life” by examining the longitudinal relationship between dark triad traits, bullying victimization, and cyberbullying. Study 1 revealed that adolescents tend to display heightened tendencies towards cyberbullying after experiencing real-life victimization. Study 2, on the other hand, showed a reduction in cyberbullying behaviors among those with dark triad traits following experiences of bullying. These findings highlight the paradoxical mechanisms underlying the relationship between bullying victimization, dark triad traits, and cyberbullying. Consequently, this study introduces the new label, “From Online Aggression to Offline Silence,” to describe this dynamic.

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