Cybervictimization: An Assessment of Consequences

Abstract

The author analyses the consequences of cybervictimization, i.e. the situation when a person becomes a victim in virtual space. A number of terms are defined, specifically, “the consequences of cybervictimization”, “the damage inflicted by cybervictimization”, their essential differences are pointed out. Besides, the characteristics of the damage inflicted by cybervictimization are described in detail, including: regressivity, ambivalence, irradiation, polymorphism, situational character and disproportionality. A typology of the forms of damage is proposed, which is based on both one-dimensional and poli-dimensional models of analyzing consequences. A detailed description is provided for thirty main forms of harm that could result from the victimization of a person online. Based on the suggested classification, as well as the recording of the degree of the inflicted damage, the author compiles a sample list for evaluating the degree of victimization on the Internet.