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At the core of cyberaggression: A group-based explanation.
Elena Trifiletti1, Marco Giannini1, Loris Vezzali2
1Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Aggressive Behavior
|October 25, 2021
Summary
Social media users are more likely to engage in cyberaggression when the aggressor is a prototypical group member. Perceived norms of aggression mediate this effect, influencing collective online behavior.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Cyberpsychology
- Online Behavior
Background:
- Cyberaggression is a prevalent issue on social media platforms.
- Group-level factors influencing cyberaggression require further investigation.
- Self-categorization theory provides a framework for understanding group influence on behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role of aggressor prototypicality as a group-level predictor of cyberaggression.
- To test whether perceived normativity of aggression mediates the effect of prototypicality on user participation.
- To understand how group dynamics influence collective online aggression.
Main Methods:
- Experimental design exposing participants to fictitious online conversations.
- Manipulation of aggressor prototypicality (prototypical vs. non-prototypical user).
- Measurement of bystander participants' aggressive comments and acceptability ratings of aggression.
Main Results:
- Participants posted more aggressive comments and rated aggression as more acceptable when the aggressor was prototypical.
- Perceived normativity of aggression significantly mediated the relationship between prototypicality and aggressive behavior.
- Prototypical group members increase the approval and enactment of collective cyberaggression.
Conclusions:
- Aggressor prototypicality is a significant group-level factor in cyberaggression.
- Perceived social norms play a crucial role in mediating collective online aggression.
- Findings underscore the importance of group dynamics in understanding and addressing cyberaggression.
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