Cyberbullying, Gendered Online Violence, and Sociocultural Power Dynamics on Algerian TikTok: A Qualitative Analysis of Harassment Against Public Figures

Abstract

Cyberbullying represents one of the most pervasive forms of digital violence, characterized by repeated acts of intimidation, threats, humiliation, and derogatory content transmitted through online platforms. Such behaviour has intensified globally with the rapid growth of social media usage, resulting in severe psychosocial consequences including anxiety, emotional trauma, and in extreme cases, self-harm or suicide. In Algeria, the rapid expansion of online engagement, particularly among youth, has amplified the visibility of influencers and public figures, subsequently exposing them to extensive online abuse. This study investigates cyberbullying practices on TikTok, one of the fastest-growing platforms in the country, by analyzing 200 comments posted on the official profiles of four renowned Algerian influencers: Hicham Cook, Mohamed Reghis, Mounia Benfeghoul, and Numidia Lezoul. Using a qualitative content-based approach, the study identifies key categories of cyberbullying including name-calling, mockery and humiliation, social exclusion and moral policing, religious reproach, and sexual harassment. Findings reveal visible gender asymmetry in online violence, where female influencers encounter intensely moralizing discourse and explicit sexualized bullying, while male influencers primarily face ridicule and identity-based insults. The study argues that cyberbullying is not solely the result of individual hostility but is embedded within broader sociocultural and patriarchal dynamics that regulate digital participation, female visibility, and symbolic power in Algerian online spaces. Ultimately, this research underscores the urgent need for institutional digital safety policies, platform-level moderation mechanisms, and public awareness programs to foster respectful online communication and protect v ulnerable digital actors.