Cyberbullying is becoming an increasingly serious online epidemic. Current cyberbullying statistics suggest the shift to remote or hybrid work has fueled a rise in bullying tactics online—with the perpetrators being colleagues, subordinates, and even supervisors.
According to a Purdue study, cyberbullying has seen a 57% increase from 2017 to 2022. In fact, findings suggest 31% of the total American workforce has experienced some form of online bullying.
Although cyberbullying is present across all online avenues, the professional space is often overlooked.
Here are some of the major statistics related to workplace cyberbullying for 2022:
- Over 61% of remote workers have been cyberbullied.
- 50% of workplace cyberbullying occurs during online meetings.
- 65% of workplace cyberbullying in the U.S. is top-down.
- Around 9% of cyberbullying occurs via email.
While anyone can become a target of cyberbullying, breaking down the statistics by demographics shows clear patterns of behavior related to some groups.
Here’s what we mean:
- 35% of Hispanic workers reported being cyberbullied. (This was higher than the national average of 30%.)
- 33.9% of workers aged 25-31 reported being cyberbullied. (This makes that particular age group the most susceptible.)
- 67% of workplace bullies were men, while just 33% were women. (That’s twice as many male cyberbullies than female.)
- 58% of male cyberbullies targeted other men, while 42% targeted female colleagues.
Now, it’s obvious that being cyberbullied is not a pleasant experience and it could have a lasting impact on anyone. That said, the extent of the impact is what makes it concerning for all current and future professionals.
A report published by Computers in Human Behavior found some of the major links between workplace cyberbullying and negative psychological conditions. And as we know, mental health issues can lead to physical health problems.
These conditions and effects include:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Skin problems
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
In addition to these, Swansea University found a link between cyberbullying and suicidal tendencies in younger workers. According to their study, victims of cyberbullying aged 25 and under were found to be twice as likely to exhibit suicidal tendencies as the older demographic.
However, the targets are not the only ones whose mental health is concerning. In fact, according to the Journal of Medical Internet research, cyberbullies aged 25 and under are 20% more likely to possess suicidal tendencies and display such behaviors.
And statistics suggest that workplace leadership often doesn’t handle cyberbullying in a way that favors the target. In fact, in 67% of reported cases of cyberbullying, it’s the victim who leaves their job—often against their will. On the other hand, studies show that only 23% of cyberbullies face the consequences of their actions.
To get a better picture of cyberbullying in the workplace and how it affects work environments, check out this infographic we put together that presents some of the most important cyberbullying statistics and trends.
