Abstract

The focus of this research is to investigate the perception of cyberbullying on Yik Yak across The College of Wooster to find the most effective solution to resolving the issue. The primary objective was to determine the effectiveness and applicability of strategies suggested by past research for preventing cyberbullying on Yik Yak. My method for collecting data was a survey of 210 students at The College from different class years and demographics and the subsequent analysis through the One-Way ANOVA test, Spearman Correlation, and T-Test. The analysis indicates several important points. First, almost ⅔ of respondents have the app downloaded on their phone, while about 45% of all respondents have either been cyberbullied or know someone who has been bullied on Yik Yak in the past. In addition, 52% of respondents selected anonymity as the most common reason for cyberbullying. However, college students do not support banning the app or removing the anonymity feature from the app. Moreover, 71% of participants disagreed that the College administration is prepared to handle the cyberbullying situation, while 50% disagreed with their involvement in the cases. Nevertheless, students showed strong student support for initiatives focused on educating individuals about the dangers of cyberbullying and enhancing self-regulation. Based on the findings, my proposed solution to cyberbullying on Yik Yak is to combine the two most supported solutions. I argue that creating an educational program through the Wellness Center might increase awareness and self-regulation.

Advisor

Yavari, Mehri

Department

Communication Studies

Disciplines

Communication Technology and New Media | Social Media

Keywords

cyberbullying, college campus, Yik Yak, social media, quantitative, survey

Publication Date

2024

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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