From Intention To Action: A Conceptual Model Of Cyberstander Intervention In Tiktok Cyberbullying Among Malaysian Youth

Cyberbullying on social media presents a growing challenge for Malaysian youth, particularly in digital environments where harmful behaviour is visible yet rarely addressed. This study proposes a conceptual model explaining how cyberstanders, who witness online aggression without direct involvement, transition from passive intention to active intervention. Grounded in Neo-Ecological Theory, the Social Identity Model of Deindividuation Effects, and Dual Process Theory, the model integrates environmental, social, cultural, and cognitive dimensions of cyberstander decision-making. Key influences include collectivist values and social harmony, peer conformity, and concerns for social reputation. Platform-specific affordances such as anonymity and algorithmic visibility are also considered, with TikTok employed as a case context to illustrate these dynamics. Dual Process Theory distinguishes between emotionally reactive responses and deliberate evaluative reasoning in the intervention process. The model provides a theory-driven foundation for culturally relevant digital citizenship curricula, ethical platform design, and targeted intervention strategies by situating these constructs within ecological systems and cognitive frameworks. The proposed framework seeks to guide initiatives that empower Malaysian youth to participate more actively and responsibly in online environments.