Examination of cyber bullying and cyber victimization levels of university students according to problematic internet use and demographic variables

This research aimed to analyze whether cyber bullying and cyber victimization levels of students differentiate according to problematic internet use level. Besides, it aimed to examine the relations of gender, year of study, education levels of parents, and level of family income with cyber bullying and cyber victimization. The research was conducted with 863 university students who were enrolled at different faculties of Ege University during 2017-2018 academic year. Revised Cyber Bullying Inventory (RCBI), Problematic Internet Usage Scale (PIUS), and Demographic Form were used for data collection. Multiple Linear Regression Analysis and Kruskall Wallis-H Test were used for data analyses. Results indicated that cyber bullying and cyber victimization are common problems among university students. Findings also showed that cyber bullying and cyber victimization levels of the students differed by gender and level of family income whereas they did not differ according to student's year of study and father's education level. According to mother's education level, cyber bullying level of students differed significantly while cyber victimization levels did not. Additionally, cyber bullying and cyber victimization were predicted by 'negative consequences of internet' and 'social comfort', which are two subscales of PIUS. The third subscale, excessive usage, did not predict any variables. The study results were discussed within the scope of the literature and some suggestions were offered.