Impact of social media on adolescents: a study on cyberbullying

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between social media addiction and victimization among adolescents aged 12 to 17 in four educational institutions in Tungurahua, Ecuador. Excessive use of digital platforms can lead to dependency, affecting academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and emotional well-being. In turn, victimization—both in-person and online—can cause significant psychological consequences, such as anxiety, depression, and self-harming behaviors. A quantitative, non-experimental, and correlational approach was employed, using validated instruments: the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the revised Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire. The sample was selected through convenience sampling and consisted of 386 students. Data analysis, conducted in RStudio, included correlation techniques and cluster analysis, revealing that high levels of social media addiction are associated with a greater prevalence of victimization experiences. The findings highlight the need for educational and family-based interventions aimed at preventing both digital dependency and violence in physical and virtual environments.