Latent profiles of cyber violence among South Korean adolescents: Applicability of routine activity theory

Abstract

AbstractThere is a growing concern towards the risk of cyber violence among young digital natives. This study tested the applicability of routine activity theory in the cyber domain using a national sample of 2228 South Korean adolescents. Latent profile analysis was used to identify the conditions of the motivated offender, suitable target, and capable guardian within the online context. Low‐risk, detached norm, and comprehensive‐risk profiles emerged. Binary logistic regression indicated that adolescents in the comprehensive‐risk profile were most likely to experience cyber violence, compared to other profiles. The risk of perpetration was greater for the low‐risk profile than the detached norm profile. This study identified the contexts of youth that heighten the risk of cyber violence and suggested important points of intervention.