In this slightly longer episode, we explore victimisation and cyberbullying amongst those who have mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. The reference for this subject comes from a paper that was recently published by the three guests, and also part of Fiona’s Doctorate at Wolverhampton University.
In this episode, with Drs Fiona A. Clements, Darren D. Chadwick and Lisa J. Orchard, we chat about:
00:49 Fiona’s background, what she is doing now in the NHS and starting a Doctorate in CyberPsychology looking at digital inclusion specifically in intellectual disabilities.
03:48 Lisa’s background, her interest in online communication, her progress within Wolverhampton and about the CRUW research group.
05:56 Darren’s career in intellectual disability and inclusivity research, and how that integrated into cyber research at Wolverhampton University, progressing into research on digital inclusion and risk.
09:00 Fiona’s Doctorate journey, what got her started, what a Doctorate involves, what she focussed on, how that links into the published article, and what it is like to finish and the impact of the doctoral research.
13:32 What started the project that brought Fiona into the process of Doctoral research.
15:53 The different types of Cyberbullying. The negative online interactions of: online content, online contact, online conduct and online contract risks.
20:17 The gap in knowledge that the research was trying to address. The different types and definitions of cyberbullying. How cyberbullying differs from offline bullying.
24:05 Harassment as the most common experience of cyberbullying amongst those with intellectual disabilities.
25:48 The impact of age on the type of cyberbullying that takes place and the lack of cyber-related research amongst older adults who have intellectual disabilities.
28:17 The definition and examples of online harassment, how that differs from flaming and how online cyberbullying relates to offline bullying. The increased proliferation of gadgets since Covid, and the similarity of technology use between those with and without intellectual disabilities.
31:49 Practical applications of research around the different types of cyberbullying amongst those with intellectual disabilities. Insights that facilitate the development of interventions to support people, so they are able to independently use technology and understand what support is needed to navigate online risks and decision-making that happens online.
37:17 Additional findings are due to be published on ways to support those with intellectual disability who may be exposed to online risks. Inequalities amongst those with eating disorders and focussing on 3rd wave (compassion focussed) interventions and accessibility to this treatment.
40:19 Darren’s focus area is on digital inclusion amongst those with intellectual disabilities and how they navigate digital life.
43:33 What psychology undergrad and postgrad John Moores University in Liverpool offers.
44:37 Lisa’s social media research focuses on infant feeding decisions, uses and gratifications theory and how social media feeds into those human needs.
48:18 What CyberPsychology options Wolverhampton University offers. The online Masters and Counselling Doctorate in CyberPsychology.
50:23 The self-stigmatisation of cyberbullying is linked to self-esteem. The differences in the type risks concerning self-stigma and self vs others blaming.
52:23 Media’s sensationalising of academic research in a way that spreads misinformation and negative social narratives – to push their own agenda. The responsibility of academics is to get research findings into the public domain in an understandable way and to correct misinformation.
55:50 The favourite CyberPsychology books that each recommends as an introduction to CyberPsychology.
* Darren: Applied Cyberpsychology
* Lisa: So, You’ve Been Publicly Shamed
* Fiona: The Oxford Handbook of Cyberpsychology
