Journal of Information Systems Education (JISE)

Volume 32

Volume 32, Issue 4, Pages 294-307

Fall 2021


The Effect of Digital Citizenship on Negative Online Behaviors and Learning Outcomes in Higher Education


Mary Dunaway
Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD 21251, USA

Mary Macharia
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL 62026, USA

Abstract: With the increase in Internet use, there has been an upsurge in negative online behaviors (such as cyberbullying and online harassment) among college students. As a result of the negative online behaviors, many students may experience anxiety, depression, feelings of loneliness, and alienation, which ultimately can impact their well-being and interfere with their ability to learn. It is envisaged that extending digital citizenship behavior to educational settings will arrest, or at the very least help mitigate, the impact of these negative behaviors on student learning outcomes. Using data collected from 184 university students, results show that perceived learning outcomes indirectly impact the relationship between digital citizenship and cyberbullying behaviors.

Keywords: Digital citizenship, Cyberbullying, Higher education, Online engagement, College students, Learning goals & outcomes

Download this article: JISE2021v32n4pp294-307.pdf


Recommended Citation: Dunaway, M., & Macharia, M. (2021). The Effect of Digital Citizenship on Negative Online Behaviors and Learning Outcomes in Higher Education. Journal of Information Systems Education, 32(4), 294-307.