FREQUENT AND INADEQUATE USE OF THE INTERNET - THE PATH TO DIGITAL VIOLENCE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE (PSYCHOLOGICAL, PSYCHIATRIC AND LEGAL ASPECTS)

Abstract

Introduction: Digital violence is behavior which is repeated with the aim of intimidating, embarrassing or angering a person, and it can take place through various forms of digital technologies.

The goal of the paper is to point out the frequency and increase of the problem of digital violence among young people with all the consequences we face, while considering the possibility of preventive action in this field.

The work method is a review of bibliographic databases on research in the field of digital violence.

Discussion: Psychological aspects caused by the frequent use of the Internet on the basis of the sensitive development period of puberty and adolescence introduce young people to numerous problems: possible development of Internet addiction, mental and physical consequences, neglect of school and family obligations, disrupted communication in the everyday real world and finally the risk of entering a vicious circle of violence caused by the use of digital technologies.

The two most important differences between traditional peer and digital violence are anonymity and the constant availability of the victim, which makes this type of violence potentially more dangerous. Internalizing problems in young people exposed to digital violence are accompanied by the development of mental consequences through loneliness, isolation, depression and can trigger very dramatic externalizing problems that can end with serious consequences for the victim's environment.

What represents the main problem with the implementation of any law and the punishment of the perpetrator is the fact that in some cases it is very difficult to prove that digital violence has occurred. The possibilities of preventing digital violence start with young people, parents and people involved in the educational process. Recommendations for good, preventive programs emphasize the need to modify classic programs for the prevention of traditional peer violence by including the digital context and its specificities.