UNDERSTANDING CYBERBULLYING ON TWITTER AMONG K-POP FANS IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

Cyberbullying among K-pop fans in Malaysia is still unclear, but the consequences of this behavior are becoming a growing problem. The problem of cyberbullying cannot be simplified with Malaysia's current laws. There is an urgent need for K-pop fans on Twitter to understand cyberbullying and find ways to combat it. In this study, the researcher highlights the most common types of cyberbullying among K-pop fans on Twitter. The aim of this study is to understand cyberbullying on Twitter among K-pop fans in Malaysia. It specifically examines the community of K-pop fans on Twitter. There are 3 research objectives in this study, namely (i). To discover the most common types of cyberbullying among K-pop fans on Twitter, (ii). To understand the social activities that facilitate cyberbullying among K-pop fans on Twitter, and (iii). To determine whether K-pop fans on Twitter are aware of ways to combat cyberbullying. This research is based on data obtained through in-depth interviews with mass communication students. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis to determine the most common types of cyberbullying and ways to combat cyberbullying. The study found that K-pop fans know what behavior is considered cyberbullying, what types of cyberbullying to expect and what can be done about it. The results of the study also suggest that a different approach needs to be taken to better understand how to combat cyberbullying. It is hoped that the study can help to improve the prevention of cyberbullying on Twitter among K-pop fans. Keywords: Cyberbullying, Fans, K-pop, Twitter