A study of the impact of verbal violence in digital culture on group interaction among minors

Abstract

Verbal violence in digital culture has become a significant social problem, especially in the context of underage interactions. Interaction in an online environment can have both positive and negative effects on social and cognitive processes. This study is aimed at studying the effects of verbal violence in digital communications on the dynamics and quality of group interaction among adolescents. The methods of questioning and observation were used in the work. The survey included 230 adolescents aged 12-17 years. The observation was conducted for six months in online social media groups. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze the data, including content analysis of messages and statistical models to identify correlations between aggressive behavior and the nature of group interaction. The study showed that teenagers who have been verbally abused in a digital environment show a decrease in their involvement in the work of groups. This was expressed in passivity, avoidance of communication, or conflicting behaviors. Low-resistance groups, in which the level of aggression was higher than the standard, broke up more often over time than groups with a low level of aggression. In addition, the presence of verbal violence is associated with the formation of negativity towards group members and a decrease in trust between their members. The analysis also revealed that girls were more sensitive to verbal abuse, while boys were more likely to initiate it. The results confirm the hypothesis about the destructive effects of verbal violence on group interaction processes. Teenagers in an aggressive digital environment find themselves at risk of social isolation and conflict. To minimize the negative impact of verbal aggression, the introduction of educational programs and digital ethics is required. The revealed results can be used to develop preventive measures in educational and social institutions.