Research of the cyberbullying phenomenon and analysis of ways to counter its manifestations

Abstract

The main characteristics of Internet harassment (cyberbullying) are investigated in the research. The main features of this phenomenon are considered. The analysis of existing types of cyberbullying and their individual characteristics is made. The examples of legislative acts of different countries is concluded that there is deficiency of relevant rules of low. It is emphasized that anyone can become a victim of in the modern world. At the same time a risk of becoming a victim of cyberbullying does not depend on any factors (for example financial position of victim, his or her age, sex, social position etc.). It is noted that communications that are made in cyberspace provide an opportunity for users to choose information they want to make public carefully and in advance. In most cases it contributes to help people show theirs strengths (for example, when communicating in chats). In results there is often false sympathy between network interlocutors and they trust each other. So the idealization of the partner happens and any his or her information is perceived more sensitive than during direct communication. This effect is successfully used during cyberbullying, when first one person inspires the trust of another and then changes communication tactics, becoming faithless and aggressive. It is emphasized that the cyberbullying phenomenon is very underestimated and that`s why it is a serious problem. The brief overview of existing technologies and means of counteracting this phenomenon is made. The comparison of their effectiveness is made. The standards that modern and effective technology of cyberbullying resistance must meet are systematized. There are examples of successful realization of user protection in most popular social network. It is emphasized that for cyberbullying resistance nowadays in most cases the protection technologies of it is to localize undesirable content in terms of the existence of cyberbullying. Based on the results of this research it is confirmed that the cyberbullying will spread further. This is due to the constant increase in the number of users of new network services and online platforms for communication. For effective defense against cyberbullying it is required the introduction of organizational and technical measures. At the end it is proposed the general assessment of further development of cyberbullying and the ways to improve appropriate countermeasures.