Cyberbullying Perpetration Among Spanish Adults: The Roles of Fear of Missing Out and Critical Thinking

Abstract

Adult cyberbullying remains understudied in Spain, where research has largely centered on adolescents. This study quantified the prevalence and behavioral profile of cyberbullying perpetration in Madrid adults and examined whether Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and Critical Thinking (CT) differentiate aggressors from non-aggressors. A cross-sectional, community-based survey of 821 residents (51% women; M = 38.2 years, SD = 11.9) was conducted between July 2024 and January 2025. Participants completed a twelve-item dichotomous checklist of cyberbullying perpetration, a 10-item FoMO scale, and an 11-item CT scale. Group contrasts were analyzed with independent sample t-tests and effect sizes (Cohen’s d). Results indicated that nine of the twelve behaviors were endorsed by fewer than 7% of respondents; the most common offense was sending mocking or insulting messages (13.8%). Men and adults aged 18–33 accounted for most of the aggression across indicators. Perpetrators reported significantly higher FoMO and marginally lower CT than non-perpetrators. FoMO differences were largest for message forwarding, threats, and public humiliation. CT deficits were most pronounced for covert tactics such as impersonation and rumor-spreading, whereas threat perpetrators displayed CT scores comparable to non-aggressors. To conclude, interventions that combine FoMO-reduction strategies with ethically grounded CT training may be necessary to curb adult cyberbullying.