Defining Cyberpsychopathy : An Integrative Review.

Abstract

Background: The rapid expansion of digital communication platforms has created new spaces for the expression of antisocial, manipulative, and emotionally detached behaviors. While traditional psychopathy has been well-characterized in clinical and forensic settings, the manifestation of similar traits in digital environments, referred to as cyberpsychopathy, remains conceptually fragmented and underdefined. Although several studies have examined dark personality traits in relation to online aggression, trolling, and social media misuse, an integrative framework for understanding how psychopathic tendencies operate in virtual contexts has yet to be established.

Objective: The aim of this integrative review was to synthesize the existing literature on cyberpsychopathy in order to (1) identify the primary conceptual domains underpinning this construct, (2) assess the methodological quality of included studies, and (3) offer a preliminary, evidence-based definition of cyberpsychopathy that reflects both dispositional traits and digital affordances.

Methods: An integrative search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using multiple databases to identify empirical studies published that explored psychopathy or dark personality traits in relation to online behaviors. Thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using thematic synthesis. The methodological quality of each study was evaluated.

Results: Six core conceptual domains were identified across the literature: (1) online behaviors (e.g., trolling, cyberbullying, deception), (2) online environment (e.g., anonymity, platform design, reward mechanisms), (3) sociodemographic factors (e.g., age, gender, culture), (4) personality traits (e.g., narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, sadism), (5) psychological factors (e.g., emotion dysregulation, impulsivity, low self-esteem), and (6) motivations (e.g., dominance, validation seeking, emotional compensation). These domains interact dynamically to shape the expression of psychopathic tendencies in online contexts. Most studies were of moderate to high quality, though methodological variability limited direct comparisons across findings. A working definition of cyberpsychopathy was proposed as a multidimensional construct involving the online expression of dark personality traits, shaped by digital affordances, psychological vulnerabilities, and social reinforcement mechanisms.

Conclusions: Cyberpsychopathy represents a complex and context-dependent phenomenon that extends beyond traditional models of psychopathy. This review provides a foundational framework for its study and highlights the need for further empirical research, including the development of validated assessment tools tailored to digital behaviors. Understanding the mechanisms behind cyberpsychopathy is essential for designing effective interventions, informing platform moderation policies, and safeguarding user well-being in increasingly digital societies.