Cyberbullying is a group or an individual using electronic devices to deliberately and repeatedly harass or verbally assault another individual or group. It is unclear whether cyberbullying has the same effects as traditional physical bullying. The purpose of this study was to examine levels of depression and anxiety among college aged cyber victims, as well as cyber bullies and cyberbully-victims. Adults ages 18 and up were given a questionnaire in regards to their involvement with cyberbullying and measurements of depression and anxiety. The questionnaire was distributed through Facebook and Mechanical Turk (a service that allows people to take surveys for a small amount of money). Depression and anxiety scores were measured using the Beck's Depression and Anxiety Inventories. We found that individuals who had been cyber-bullied were significantly more anxious, t (151) = 5.86, p < .01, and depressed t(151) = 5.7, p < .01 than those who were not. In addition cyber-bullies reported significantly greater levels of anxiety t (151) = 7.37, p < .01 and depression t (151) = 6.22, p < .01. These results support the hypothesis that cyberbullying has effects on mental health similar to traditional bullying.

Cyberbullying: As detrimental as traditional bullying? A study of depression and anxiety.