An empirical investigation of factors instigating, impelling and inhibiting cyber-bullying behavior

The Internet has provided a fertile ground for cyber-bullying, defined as bullying through the use of electronic media (such as computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices). Rising incidents of and tragedies from cyber-bullying have alerted researchers, educators, government officials, and parents to the severe consequence of this new form of bullying. Adopting the I³ Theory as the theoretical lens, this study aims to examine the driving and suppressing forces of bullying behavior in the cyber-space. Results from a survey of university students show that while impelling forces can increase individuals' tendency to perpetrate cyber-bullying behavior when they are instigated, inhibiting forces will represses their aggressive urge and lower their propensity to cyber-bully. Our findings not only validate the I3 Theory in the context of cyber-bullying but also provide valuable insights to educators, government officials, and parents in their effort to tackle cyber-bullying.