Examination of the relationship between individuals' misogyny levels and problematic online behaviors

Cyberbullying is defined as a form of violence carried out using electronic technologies such as social media, text messages, emails, and online forums (Russo et al., 2022). This study aims to examine the possible relationship between individuals' levels of misogyny, defined as hostility towards women, and problematic internet behaviors, such as cyber violence, cyber victimization, and the legitimization of cyber violence. Additionally, it aims to investigate the relationship between problematic cyber behaviors and both protective and hostile sexism, which are known to be associated with misogyny. To achieve these objectives, data were collected from 389 individuals. However, data from 24 individuals were excluded because they did not meet the required criteria, and the analyses were conducted with data from 365 individuals. The sample consisted of 59.2% women and 40.8% men, with an average age of 31.30 (±9.65) years. The Revised Cyberbullying Scale, the Legitimization of Cyber Violence Scale, the Misogyny Scale, and the Ambivalent Sexism Scale were used in the study to measure both cyberbullying and cyberbullying victimization. Additionally, a sociodemographic information form was prepared to collect sociodemographic and potentially relevant variables. In the second phase of the study, a qualitative research design was planned. Only individuals with high levels of misogyny and who identified with one of the Menosphere groups were to be invited to this phase. In-depth interviews aimed to identify the motivation sources, influencing factors, and consequences of cyber misogyny. However, due to a lack of response from the invited participants, the second phase could not be carried out. The findings from the analyses showed a positive relationship between misogyny and both cyber violence perpetration victimization and the legitimization of cyber violence. Additionally, a positive relationship was found between sexism and both cyber violence perpetration and victimization. A weak relationship was observed between hostile sexism and cyber violence victimization, whereas a positive relationship was identified between protective sexism and both cyber violence perpetration and victimization. The strongest relationship was found between cyber victimization and cyber violence perpetration. Regression analyses indicated that misogyny and ambivalent sexism significantly predicted both cyber violence perpetration and victimization. However, only misogyny significantly predicted the legitimization of cyber violence. Furthermore, sociodemographic factors such as gender, education, age, income level, region of residence, family type, and marital status were found to influence the perpetration, victimization, and legitimization of cyber violence. Being part of Menosphere groups, having suicidal thoughts, and being blocked by any website or user also appeared to have varying levels of impact on problematic cyber behaviors. The findings were evaluated and discussed within the framework of national and international literature.