Exploring the Nexus Between Social Media Usage, Self-Esteem, Risky Online Exposure and Cyberbullying Victimisation among University Students

Digital communication has expanded at a rapid rate, which has exposed university students to a high risk of cyberbullying; hence, it is a serious threat in institutions of higher learning. The paper focuses on the determinants of cyberbullying victimisation among UiTM Seremban students. It explores the correlation between social media use, low self-esteem, exposure to risks on the Internet, and victimisation in cyberbullying. The extent of cyberbullying victimisation, as well as the most influential factors, was determined with the help of descriptive and inferential analysis. The results demonstrate that these factors make students highly vulnerable to cyberbullying. The study will help fill the gap in Malaysian university research concerning cyberbullying.

cyberbullying, risky online exposure, social media, Routine Activity Theory

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