CYBERBULLYING EXPOSURE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INFLUENCE ON ADOLESCENTS: A INDICATORS MENTAL HEALTH ANALYSIS IN MAKASSAR, INDONESIA

Abstract

Introduction: This study investigates the impact of cyberbullying exposure on five mental health indicators that depression, anxiety, decreased energy, cognitive impairment, and somatic symptoms among adolescents in Makassar City. Using a descriptive quantitative design, 400 junior high school students completed a Likert-based survey examining exposure frequency and psychological symptoms. Results show that negative comments and sarcastic posts are the dominant cyberbullying forms, while anxiety and decreased energy emerge as the most prevalent mental health symptoms. Cross-regional comparison indicates higher vulnerability in denser urban areas. Correlation analysis reveals significant positive associations between cyberbullying exposure and all symptom indicators mental health, while simple linear regression explains 8.6% of mental health variance. Findings align with Klapper’s Exposure Media Theory and Stress–Coping Theory, demonstrating that repeated exposure functions as a cumulative psychological stressor within a visual-digital ecosystem. The study underscores the need for digital literacy, early detection systems, and school-based psychosocial support.