An examination of the relationship between university students 'levels of cyberbullying/victimization and their virtual social support networks

Contemporary social structures, increasingly shaped by the process of digitalization, are fundamentally transforming interpersonal relationships. This transformation has contributed to the heightened visibility and influence of emerging social issues in online environments, particularly cyberbullying and cybervictimization, among young adults. The present study investigates the relationship between university students' experiences of cyberbullying and cybervictimization and the role of virtual social support networks within the broader context of digitalization's impact on social structure. The rapid evolution of information and communication technologies has redefined online platforms as arenas for novel forms of social interaction and power dynamics. Consequently, the traditional phenomenon of bullying has been reconfigured within digital environments, manifesting in systematic and repetitive acts of digital aggression. Cyberbullying thus represents a significant social issue, with serious implications for individuals' psychosocial well-being. This study assesses cyberbullying and cybervictimization in terms of the frequency and psychological impact of hostile behaviors encountered in digital spaces. In this regard, the relationship between perceived social support and the level of victimization experienced by individuals is examined. The theoretical framework of the study is grounded in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, which facilitates a multilevel analysis of the exposure to online bullying and the availability or absence of corresponding support systems across micro- to macro-level social contexts. Employing a quantitative research design, the study analyzed data collected from 571 university students enrolled in various faculties within the province of Antalya. Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS software. The findings reveal significant associations between cyberbullying/victimization and variables such as gender, duration of internet usage, and patterns of engagement with social media platforms. Furthermore, a high level of perceived virtual social support was found to mitigate the adverse effects of cybervictimization, whereas dysfunctions in support structures appeared to correlate with increased bullying tendencies. In sum, this study offers a novel contribution to the literature by elucidating the multilayered dynamics of cyberbullying, victimization, and social support in digital contexts. It further seeks to inform the development of intervention strategies grounded in social work to address and prevent digital forms of violence. Key Words: Cyberbullying, Cybervictimization, Online Social Support, Ecological Systems Theory