Explaining cyberbullying and cyber violence in the age of AI using individual and contextual factors in Jordan

As artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies continue to transform online communication and social interactions, cyberbullying and cyber-violence have emerged as growing concerns that require a deeper understanding of the individual and contextual factors underlying these behaviors. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing cyberbullying and cyber-violence in Jordan. Specifically, it examines the effects of individual characteristics and contextual factors, including the legal and policy environment and aggressive social environment, on both cyberbullying and cyber-violence. A total of 472 participants from different demographic groups were included in the study sample. The data were analyzed using Smart PLS software. The results indicate that individual factors such as age, gender, and educational level have varying effects on cyberbullying and cyber-violence. Both age and gender have a significant negative and positive relationship, respectively, with both cyberbullying and cyber-violence. There is no significant relationship between these outcomes and educational level. Contextual factors, on the other hand, have differential effects. The aggressive social environment is positively associated with cyberbullying and cyber-violence, while the legal and policy environment is negatively associated with cyber-violence but not with cyberbullying. This study examines both contextual and individual factors, contributing to a better understanding of factors influencing cyberbullying and cyber-violence. It provides evidence on the impact of age, gender, social context, and legal and regulatory influences, and offers insights that can guide policy, education, and community engagement and inform best prevention practices.