Empathetic tendencies and cyber surveillance of an intimate partner in University students

Abstract

From the first prosecuted case of cyber-surveillance, in 1999, this behaviour has become a widespread phenomenon and primary use of social media. This present study investigated the relationship between partner cyber-surveillance and empathic tendencies in university students. Data was collected through a survey, using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index that measures empathic tendencies, the Intimate Partner Cyber-Surveillance Scale that measures partner cyber-surveillance and a final section recording frequency of social media use. A total of 214 participants took part in the study; females made up 79.9% of the sample, whilst males made up the remaining 20.1%. Results showed that there was no statistically significant predictive relationship between empathic tendencies and cyber-stalking. This result reflects the further need for research with additional variables to be considered. The study found a positive correlation between social media use and cyber-surveillance. This finding supports previous research and sheds light on the local context. These results indicate that further research is needed with regards to cyber-surveillance predictors, with the possibility to apply such indicators into practice in situations with domestic violence.