Data Mining Teen Narratives on Reddit: Revealing Insights in Cyber Victimization Experiences

As teens increasingly turn to the internet and social media for entertainment and social connection, they are faced with increasingly dangerous situations as technology advances and aggressors seek to harm and exploit victims online. This qualitative study used data mining and Word Adjacency Graphing (WAG), a type of computational analysis, with the aim of analyzing how teens on Reddit describe and discuss their experiences of cyber victimization. WAG modeling allowed for an examination of public, unsolicited teen narratives revealing patterns and alarming insights that were identified in six themes, including psychological impact, coping and healing, protecting yourself online, protecting yourself offline, victimization across various settings, and seeking meaning and understanding. These themes encompassed the impact of cyber victimization and its profound effects on the mental and emotional well-being of teens, emphasizing the importance of updated assessment methods and a trauma-informed approach in healthcare settings. In addition, the trauma expressed by teens highlighted the importance of recognizing cyber victimization as a serious adverse event impacting mental health. This approach would encourage open discussions, validate teens’ experiences, and focus on understanding and responding to the impact of trauma. The findings call for comprehensive strategies in healthcare to screen and assess for cyber victimization effectively, thereby supporting and empowering teens in overcoming these traumatic experiences.