Cyberbullying among Nigerian Undergraduates on WhatsApp: A Speech Act Analysis of Group Chat Interactions

Abstract

This study investigated cyberbullying within WhatsApp chat groups utilized by undergraduates in Nigeria. Through a Speech Act analysis, it explored how language is used to bully and harass victims in this closed online environment. Speech Act theory by J. Searle served as a framework for the study. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. Population of the study comprised all the WhatsApp groups of undergraduate students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Imo State University, Owerri and Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri. The sample size was selected using simple random sampling method. Data for the study was collected through observation and semi-structured questionnaire items delivered through Google Forms. J. Searle’s model of speech act theory was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that cyberbullies leverage a specific repertoire of speech acts to inflict emotional harm and damage the victim's reputation. In addition, the findings revealed a prevalence of assertive speech acts (direct insults), directives (controlling the victim's behavior), and expressives (conveying anger and hostility) in cyberbullying messages. The study also discussed the implications of the findings and finally, recommendations were made for further studies on the topic which encourages higher institutions should organize workshops or training sessions that teach students positive online communication skills, including active listening, respectful disagreement, and responsible online humour.