Correlates of Adult Cyber-Victimization: An Exploratory Study


Olivia Peters, University of Guelph

Cyber-harassment is one of the most detrimental harms associated with the rise of internet-based communications and has inspired a significant body of scholarly research. However, the majority of this knowledge is informed by and directed toward individuals younger than 25, leaving the experiences and needs of older people largely unexplored. To address this gap our study circulated an electronic survey to a panel of 1,000 Canadians representing all regions of the country. This presentation will summarize key findings from this study, including 1) a perception gap between those who had experienced cyber-harassment versus those who reported it; 2) gendered, experiential, and socio-demographic differences in experiences; 3) observed relationships between experiences and sense of safety. Our approach is framed by victimization and neutralization lenses, suggesting that adults experiences are generally trivialized through media and the state. We conclude with a discussion of future avenues for redress.

Non-presenting authors: Ryan Broll, University of Guelph; Rosemary Ricciardelli, Memorial University; Jocelyn Booton, Wilfrid Laurier University; James F. Popham, Wilfrid Laurier University

This paper will be presented at the following session: