2026/04/28 by Maryam Khaleghipour, Kevin Koban, Jörg Matthes · 1 voice
Computer Science · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression #Hate Speech and Cyberbullying Detection #Stalking, Cyberstalking, and Harassment
paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/15213269.2026.2636055
openalex publication_date 2026/04/28 · openalex created_date 2026/04/30 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/19
This study examines the impact of direct and indirect digital hate victimization on fundamental human needs (belonging, self-esteem, control, and meaningful existence) and bystander intervention tendencies. Drawing on a two-wave panel survey conducted in Austria with participants aged 16 years and older, the study applies the temporal need-threat model (TNTM) to assess these relationships over time. Findings indicate that direct digital victimization (DDV) undermines belonging, meaningful existence, and control, highlighting its negative consequences on targets over time. In contrast, indirect digital victimization (IDV) unexpectedly relates to increased belonging and meaningful existence, hinting at complex in-group dynamics in response to vicarious digital hate, Additionally, DDV predicts greater intervention as active bystanders over time, while IDV does not. These findings deepen understanding of digital hate’s varied impacts and underscore the need for further exploration of DDV and IDV effects, with implications for developing interventions to reduce digital hate and enhance supportive bystander actions.