Cyberincivility among Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Evidence

Incivility is a general term for social behavior lacking civility and can be characterized as discourteous, rude, or unsociable actions, comments, treatment, or behavior (Ceza & Cortina, 2007). Such behaviors demonstrate prevalence in a wide range of communities, especially in environments such as workplaces and classrooms where social interaction is common (Porath & Pearson, 2013). Recently, another network for incivility- the cyber world- has emerged as increasingly prominent due to the proliferation of technology, especially the growing use of smartphones along with social media applications (Patchin & Hinduja, 2010). Issues that occur online are particularly applicable to adolescents, which the World Health Organization classifies as individuals between 10 and 19 years of age. Research has indicated that 95% of adolescents in the United States have access to a smartphone, and 45% would say that they are using it almost constantly (Schaffer, 2019). Media influence is particularly significant during the stage of adolescence where perceptions, and ideals are still taking shape- notably, research has detailed adolescents’ unique ability to change, and adapt their perspectives based on their environment (Jaworska, 2015). Consequently, the combination of almost constantly being on a social media platform of some kind translates that adolescents are particularly vulnerable to being negatively impacted by the negative effects of social media and other online platforms (Institute of Medicine & National Research Council, 2011). This systematic review of qualitative evidence would help derive a more authentic understanding of adolescent perspectives regarding the cyber world and the incivility that occurs in it. Moreover, this review holds significant implications for the future advancements in online media platforms and the adolescents that will continue to utilize them. References: Ceza BB, Cortina LM. (2007). From Insult to Injury: Explaining the Impact of Incivility. Basic and Applied Social Psychology 29(4):335-50. https://doi.org/10.1080/01973530701665108 Institute of Medicine (US) and National Research Council (US). (2011) The Science of Adolescent Risk-Taking: Workshop Report. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53418/ Jaworska N, MacQueen G. (2015). Adolescence as a unique developmental period. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience 40(5):291. https://doi.org/10.1503/jpn.150268 Patchin JW, Hinduja S. (2010). Cyberbullying and self‐esteem. Journal of School Health 80(12):614-21. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1746-1561.2010.00548.x Porath C, Pearson C. (2013). The price of incivility. Harvard Business Review 91(1-2):114-21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23390745/