Cyberbullying and The Role Technology Plays In It
Michelle_Michy
ResearchProposal-TinaWilkie-1.docxTina Wilkie Research Proposal 1
Topic
The topic I chose is how bullying evolved into cyberbullying and the role technology plays in it. I chose this topic because I am an advocate for people that are bullied. Also, I don’t want my son bullying someone or getting bullied.
Purpose
Writer
Bullying can result in major mental health problems, which caught my interest because I suffer from anxiety and depression and as a child, I experienced bullying.
Audience
The audience is the University of Minnesota Morris faculty and students. Anyone being bullied or has witnessed bullying.
Tentative position/opinion
Cyberbullying is more harmful than traditional bullying. More can be done to curb online bullying, including using technology to stop cyberbullying.
3 Preliminary supporting arguments
1. The increase in the use of digital devices has introduced cyberbullying. This allowed bullying to happen in many more forms.
2. Suicide due to cyberbullying are at a high.
3. Also cyberbullying has effects that last long, for both victim and bully.
3 Preliminary counter arguments
1. Cyberbullying is not that big of a deal. It’s just words, no real or physical harm done.
2. Being cyberbullied can help with setting boundaries and makes someone more resilient
3. First amendment rights; freedom of speech. Turn of digital advice and ignore it
Types of evidence
I will look for studies on cyberbullying vs. traditional bullying. I also would like to find some numbers, statistics on how much it has changed. I will make sure my sources are good sources and I have a variety of viewpoints and arguments.
3 possible research questions
1. Although cyberbullying was introduced through technology, is it possible to use technology to put an end to it?
2. How many people report depression or anxiety because of cyberbullying?
3. How much can words affect a person in comparison to physical harm done.
