Exploring the Experiences of Female Students Regarding Cyber Bullying and Academic Performance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

This study investigates the lived experiences of female university students regarding cyber bullying and its effects on academic performance in the age of artificial intelligence. Cyber bullying has emerged as a serious challenge in higher education, particularly as universities increasingly rely on AI-mediated learning environments such as learning management systems, online assessments, and digital communication platforms. The purpose of this paper was to explore how female students experience cyber bullying in these environments and how such experiences influence their academic engagement and performance. The research focused on the central objective of understanding the personal, emotional, and academic consequences of cyber bullying within AI-supported educational settings. Data were collected at the University of Narowal using a qualitative research design. The study population consisted of female university students and a purposive sample of n=20 participants were selected based on their experiences with online learning and cyber bullying. Semi-structured interviews were used as the primary data collection method. The data were analyzed using manual thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and sub-themes. The findings showed that female students experienced cyber bullying in the form of online harassment, social exclusion, and misuse of digital and AI-based academic platforms. These experiences led to anxiety, reduced self-confidence, fear of online participation, and decreased academic motivation. Many participants reported that cyber bullying negatively affected their concentration, class participation, and overall academic performance. The study also found limited institutional support and a lack of effective reporting mechanisms. This research contributes to our understanding of the intersection between gender, cyber bullying, and AI-mediated education. It highlights the need for stronger institutional policies, supportive systems, and ethical AI design to ensure safe and inclusive learning environments for female students.

Keywords: Cyber bullying, Academic Performance, Artificial Intelligence