Moral reactions of online rumors: The effects of social media rumors on cyber-bullying

Chinese Journal of Journalism & Communication ›› 2018, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (7) : 37-61.

PDF(12767 KB)
PDF(12767 KB)
Chinese Journal of Journalism & Communication ›› 2018, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (7) : 37-61.

Moral reactions of online rumors: The effects of social media rumors on cyber-bullying

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Abstract

Online rumors and cyber-bullying both are identifed as a widespread, persistent, and serious problem, raising both social and educational concerns. Moreover, a current trend shows that there may is relationship between them. More cyber-bullying is provoked by online rumors. This phenomenon leads to precarious consciousness towards the cyber eco-ethics. This study uses CSS(Computational social science) method to investigate the effects of online rumors on cyber-bullying, and to generate a theoretical model and mechanism to explain how online rumors in?uences cyber-bullying. Results reveal that:1.There're signifcant relation between online rumors and cyber bullying. And the association between them is mediated through moral judgment. 2. The negative moral reasoning and moral emotion indices implied in the rumors are input factors, which generate severe moral condemnation and then give rise to cyber-bullying. 3. Moreover, several signifcant shared predictors, such as moral emotion, moral disengagement, were identified as important factors in the model for designing effective prevention and intervention programs. The Practical implications of the fndings for future intervention, into encourage a healthy web ecosystem, were brie?y discussed.

Key words

Online rumors / Cyber-Bullying / Moral judgment / Moral emotion

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Moral reactions of online rumors: The effects of social media rumors on cyber-bullying[J]. Chinese Journal of Journalism & Communication. 2018, 40(7): 37-61
PDF(12767 KB)

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