Cybervictimization among female Korean adolescents: An online routine activity perspective

The widespread adoption of the internet and social networking sites has given rise to new forms of online victimization. In this context, cyberlifestyle–routine activity theory (CLRAT) has increasingly been applied as a theoretical framework to examine the convergence of factors that can create opportunities for online victimization. This study investigates the relationship between CLRAT concepts and four forms of online victimization (verbal abuse, defamation, cyberstalking, and online sexual harassment) among 743 South Korean female adolescents. Binary logistic regression analyses reveal that increased time online, interacting with online strangers, engaging in deviant online behaviors, and participating in risky online activities are associated with increased odds of online victimization. We discuss the significance of these findings within the broader context of both online victimization research and the utility of CLRAT, and we propose implications for research and policy aimed at reducing the risk of online victimization in this at-risk population.