DECOLONISING THE INTERNET: EXPERIENCES OF (CYBER)BULLYING AND DEVELOPING COLLECTIVE CRITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS FOR YOUTH OF AFRICAN DESCENT IN ATHENS

Abstract

This study explores the intricate convergence of Afrophobia and its projection through (Cyber)Bullying for youth of African descent in Greece. It comprehensively documents the colonialistic nature of the internet and Western scholarship in perpetuating racial (cyber)bullying. Furthermore, the study experiments with the idea of and its application to transform the internet into a race-sensitive industry. The study bridges the gap in racially sensitive, decolonial research on (Cyber)Bullying by involving those affected as knowledge-holders in Creative Participatory Action Research. The findings advance AfroGreek youth's proclamation of social media as a breeding ground for racism and how their proactive participation can help reshape the internet. It also results in developing Critical Consciousness as mapped out through the knowledge-holders' involvement in Critical Action, Political Self-Efficacy, and Critical Reflection. The output actively contributes to creating impactful internet-based interventions and towards a more inclusive and informed societal framework. Finally, the study proves the efficacy of critical and diverse involvement through the launch of a youth-directed.