ABSTRACT
Research has demonstrated the psychological and behavioral consequences of cyberbullying—for both perpetrators and victims alike. These effects highlight the importance of continued empirical attention towards validating efficacious cyberbullying interventions. However, the majority of cyberbullying interventions target youth and employ in-person and whole-school lessons that are derived from theory that does not distinguish traditional and cyberbullying. The current study aims to provide continued validity evidence of the “You’re Not Anonymous” intervention, which (i) is derived from theory unique to cyberbullying, (ii) delivers the curriculum online using a short video, (iii) targets adults, and (iv) educates participants on how online behavior is not anonymous. US adult participants (N = 171) completed measures of cyberbullying perpetration, cyberbullying attitudes, and online disinhibition before being randomly assigned to view the YNA video or a control video. Afterwards the same online disinhibition and cyberbullying attitudes measures were completed. Finally, 1 month later, participants completed the cyberbullying perpetration measure again. Results showed that online disinhibition (specifically dissociative anonymity) decreased significantly for only YNA participants, and post-video online disinhibition mediated the relationship between the condition participants were assigned to and cyberbullying 1 month later. Taken together, these results suggest continued efficacy for the YNA intervention while highlighting the role that certain online disinhibition facets play in that efficacy.