Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the intricate relationship between social media use and cyberbullying among adolescents from a criminological perspective. The study aims to investigate how social media platforms contribute to the occurrence and perpetuation of cyberbullying behaviors among adolescents, focusing on the underlying criminological factors that influence this phenomenon. Through a comprehensive literature review, this research examines existing scholarly works on social media, cyberbullying, and criminology to establish a theoretical framework for understanding the intersection of these concepts. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, outlining the background of the study, the problem statement, research objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter Two presents a detailed literature review that explores ten key themes related to social media use, cyberbullying, and criminological theories. These themes include the impact of social media on adolescent behavior, the prevalence and forms of cyberbullying, the role of anonymity in cyberbullying incidents, and the social learning theory as applied to cyberbullying behaviors. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in this study, detailing the research design, data collection methods, sampling procedures, ethical considerations, and data analysis techniques. The chapter also discusses the rationale for selecting a qualitative research approach to investigate the research questions and hypotheses. Chapter Four presents the findings of the study, which include an in-depth analysis of the data collected from interviews, surveys, and content analysis of social media platforms. The findings shed light on the various factors that contribute to cyberbullying incidents among adolescents and highlight the criminological perspectives that can be used to understand and address this issue. In Chapter Five, the conclusion and summary provide a comprehensive overview of the research findings, implications for theory and practice, and recommendations for future research. The study underscores the need for collaborative efforts among parents, educators, policymakers, and social media platforms to combat cyberbullying effectively and promote a safer online environment for adolescents. By examining this phenomenon through a criminological lens, this research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on cyberbullying prevention and intervention strategies, with the ultimate goal of fostering a more positive and supportive digital culture for young people. Keywords Social media, cyberbullying, adolescents, criminology, online behavior, digital safety

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Cyberbullying Among Adolescents: A Criminological Perspective" aims to delve into the intricate dynamics between social media usage and cyberbullying within the adolescent population. This study acknowledges the pervasive influence of social media platforms on modern youth and the concerning rise of cyberbullying incidents, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive criminological investigation into this critical issue. The project will start by providing an in-depth introduction to the topic, outlining the background of the study to contextualize the relevance of exploring the relationship between social media use and cyberbullying among adolescents. The problem statement will underscore the significance of addressing this issue, highlighting the potential negative impacts on the mental health and well-being of adolescents. With a clear objective of the study in mind, the research will aim to uncover the underlying factors that contribute to the occurrence of cyberbullying on social media platforms among adolescents. By examining the limitations and scope of the study, the research will establish boundaries and set expectations for the findings and conclusions that can be drawn from the investigation. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform policymakers, educators, parents, and other stakeholders about the implications of social media use on cyberbullying behaviors among adolescents, thereby facilitating the development of targeted interventions and preventive measures. The structure of the thesis will provide a roadmap for the reader, guiding them through the various chapters and sections that make up the research project. The literature review will critically analyze existing research and theoretical frameworks related to social media use, cyberbullying, and criminological perspectives, drawing connections and identifying gaps in the current knowledge base. By synthesizing relevant literature, the study aims to build a solid foundation for the subsequent research methodology chapter. The research methodology section will outline the approach, design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures employed in the study. By detailing the research process, the project aims to ensure transparency and rigor in the investigation of the relationship between social media use and cyberbullying among adolescents. Chapter four will present the detailed discussion of findings, analyzing the data collected and interpreting the results within the criminological context. This section will explore patterns, correlations, and implications arising from the research, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of the relationship between social media use and cyberbullying among adolescents. Finally, chapter five will offer a comprehensive conclusion and summary of the project thesis, consolidating key findings, implications, and recommendations for future research and practical applications. By synthesizing the research outcomes, the study aims to contribute valuable insights to the field of criminology and inform strategies for addressing cyberbullying in the digital age. Overall, this research project seeks to advance our understanding of the complex interplay between social media use and cyberbullying among adolescents from a criminological perspective, ultimately aiming to support the well-being and safety of young individuals in an increasingly digital world.