Beyond Likes 2024 is a national US study exploring the impact that cyberbullying has on the mental health of social media users. The report asked 1000 adults aged 16+ across the US a number of questions relating to their experiences of cyberbullying, both as targets and bystanders, and how those experiences impacted their mental health and self-image.
Have you ever been bullied or harassed on social media?
30% of respondents said they have been bullied or harassed on social media.
How frequently have you been bullied or harassed on social media?
*Respondents previously indicated they had been bullied or harassed on social media.
How far do you agree or disagree with the statement: I feel that cyberbullying has negatively affected my mental health
*Respondents previously indicated they had been bullied or harassed on social media.
How has cyberbullying made you feel?
*Respondents previously indicated that cyberbullying had negatively effected their mental health.
Have you ever seen anyone else being cyberbullied or harassed on social media?
55% of respondents said they have seen someone else being cyberbullied or harassed on social media
For what reasons have you seen people being targeted with cyberbullying and abuse?
*Respondents previously indicated that they had seen someone being cyberbullied or harassed on social media.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: I have deleted a social media post due to cyberbullying or harassment
25% of respondents said they have deleted a social media post due to cyberbullying or harassment.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: I have wanted to change my appearance through surgery due to cyberbullying
11% of respondents said they have wanted to change their appearance through surgery due to cyberbullying.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: The fear of cyberbullying has stopped me from sharing selfies, expressing myself, or trying new things
32% said the fear of cyberbullying has stopped them from sharing selfies, expressing themselves or trying new things.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: I have considered self-harm or suicide due to being cyberbullied or harassed online
10% of respondents have considered self-harm or suicide due to being cyberbullied or harassed online.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Social media use has made me unsatisfied with my own life
23% of respondents said social media use has made them unsatisfied with their own lives.
Which social media platform negatively impacts your mental health the most?
Respondents previously indicated that cyberbullying on social media negatively affected their mental health.
What can social media platforms do to better address cyberbullying, if anything at all?
51% of respondents said they wanted to see improved reporting on social media to better address cyberbullying.
How many people do you know who have experienced cyberbullying or harassment online?
60% of respondents said they knew someone who has experienced cyberbullying or harassment online.
How far do you agree or disagree with the statement: Cyberbullying should be a criminal offense across all states
70% of social media users in the US feel that cyberbullying should be a criminal offense across all states.
Do you think social media is a force for good or bad?
13% of respondents feel social media is a force for bad.
Do you feel that cyberbullying is a serious issue?
88% of social media users said they believe cyberbullying is a serious issue.
“Beyond Likes 2024 tells us that almost a third of social media users have experienced online abuse and 10% have contemplated suicide due to negative experiences. It's hard to believe we tolerate this level of risk and pain for ourselves and our children.”
Cybersmile Advisory Panel
Overview
Key Takeaways
- 88% felt that cyberbullying is a serious issue
- 70% felt that cyberbullying should be a criminal offense across all states
- 60% knew someone who had experienced cyberbullying
- 60% of those who had experienced cyberbullying or harassment said it negatively affected their mental health
- 55% had seen someone else cyberbullied or harassed
- 51% wanted to see improved reporting on social media to better address cyberbullying
- 32% said the fear of cyberbullying had stopped them from sharing selfies, expressing themselves, or trying new things
- 30% of those who had personally experienced cyberbullying or harassment said it made them feel self-hatred
- 30% had been bullied or harassed on social media
- 25% had deleted a social post due to cyberbullying or harassment
- 23% felt that social media had made them unsatisfied with their own lives
- 11% had wanted to change their appearance through surgery due to cyberbullying
- 10% had considered self-harm or suicide due to being cyberbullied or harassed
Method
The research was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Cybersmile across the United States with nationally representative sample of 1,000 general respondents who were social media users (aged 16+) between 04.18.2024 and 04.29.2024.
Citation
The Cybersmile Foundation (2024). Beyond Likes Report (2024): A national US study exploring the impact of cyberbullying on social media users mental health.