Investigation of the relationship between fanaticism and cyber bullying levels of football fan masses

This study aims to examine the relationship between fanaticism and cyberbullying levels among football fans. For this purpose, the relational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, was used in the study. The population of the research consists of football spectators supporting the Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, and Trabzonspor teams during the 2023–2024 football season, and the sample group includes 390 team supporters. The "Football Fanaticism Scale" and the "Sports Spectator Cyberbullying Behaviour Scale" were used as data collection tools in the research. All statistical calculations were performed using the SPSS 26.0 V statistical package program. In the study, no statistically significant differences were found between the total scores and sub-dimension total scores of the football fanaticism and cyberbullying behaviour scales according to education level and reason for supporting a team. On the other hand, statistically significant differences were found according to gender, age, marital status, income level, and following matches. It was determined that men have higher levels of fanaticism and bullying behaviour scores compared to women. While cyberbullying decreases as age increases among the fan group, fanaticism levels also decrease in the same manner. Additionally, individuals with higher incomes were found to have higher levels of fanaticism and bullying. The highest levels of fanaticism were found among fans who follow matches from the stadium, while those who follow matches from the stadium, computer, and tablet had the highest levels of cyberbullying behaviour. Furthermore, it was found that fans using platform X had the highest levels of cyberbullying behaviour, while Facebook users had the lowest levels. In light of all this information, training and seminars to increase awareness about cyberbullying can be provided for young fans. Campaigns promoting kindness and empathy on social media can be organized for X users, who exhibit high levels of cyberbullying behaviour. It is recommended that researchers conducting studies in this context use mixed methods to gain more in-depth information.