Digital metamorphosis: Examination of the bystander culture in cyberbullying

Cyberbullying requires researchers to refine their perspectives to encapsulate its etiology and the multi-faceted practices. The infusion of technology has expanded the traditional definition of bullying and challenged the conventional characteristics of roles (e.g., perpetrators, victims, bystanders) involved in online bullying incidents. Specific to the role of bystanders, the digital culture presents inherent challenges that may prevent witnesses from taking a stand against unjust behaviors across online environments. To examine the digital metamorphosis of the bystander culture and its challenges to conventional approaches towards prevention and intervention, five area topics will be discussed: (a) overview of bullying and cyberbullying, (b) bystander culture, (c) digital bystanders, (d) interrelated effects of digital accessibility, anonymity, and autonomy and (e) digital upstanders.