Encounters with Others via the Internet Using Female Youth as Examples

Focusing on the Rise of “Cyberbullying” Discourse

Abstract

“Cyberbullying” appeared in the end of 2007 as a new problem for educators. Among discourse in order to prevent Cyberbullying, the actions of youth who were using the internet as a means to interact with others were criticized by educators and targeted for guidance. However, looking at it from the perspective of life guidance theory, when adults criticize some act, youth have a tendency to try to conceal their having done that act. So, it could be viewed that the act of interacting with others online would also be subject to this inclination. In this manuscript, from this critical mindset, we analyzed the significance four junior high and high school girls gave their experiences with these encounters based on an examination of their interviews during this rise of “Cyberbullying” discourse. Through the result it became clear that those involved with the study, while being conscious of the risks associated with using the internet and also opinion at large, concealed their actions so as not to cause concern to guardians and teachers and other adults whose criticisms they had been conscious of. Moreover, the fact that those involved with the study would hasten their concealment to avoid being seen in the same light as victims of crime via the internet came to light.