Impact of Digital Socialization and Empathy on Quality of Life: Exploring Role of Cyber Victimization and Social Intelligence Among University Students

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the mediating role of empathy in the relationship between digital socialization and quality of life. In addition, the moderating effect of cyber victimization and social intelligence was also examined. Using purposive sampling technique, data was collected from university students (N ꓿ 451) from both traditional and online universities of Pakistan. Along with demographic information, measures of the Cyber socialization scale (Santhosh & Thiyagu , 2022), Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE) (Reniers et al., 2011), Cyber-offending and cyber victimization scale (Hinduja & Patchin, 2015), The Tromsø Social Intelligence Scale (Silvera et al., 2001), WHO Quality of Life (Brief) (The WHOQOL Group, 1998) were used to assess the study variables. Cronbach’s alpha reliabilities for all the scales and subscales were satisfactory. Results of regression analysis show that quality of life is positively predicted by social intelligence and negatively predicted by cyber victimization. Digital socialization positively predicts empathy and social intelligence. Empathy mediates the relationship between digital socialization and quality of life in combined mode of study and online mode of study but not in conventional mode of study. Cyber victimization weakens the relationship between digital socialization and quality of life in both combined mode of study and traditional mode of study, but not in online mode of study. Social intelligence positively moderates the relationship between digital socialization and empathy in both combined mode of study and in traditional mode of study but not in online mode of study. The study emphasizes fostering positive digital socialization for university students, enhancing their quality of life through empathy and support. Interventions to promote empathy skills can create a compassionate online culture. Practical implications involve educators, counselors, and policymakers promoting digital citizenship, ethics, and safety. Keywords: Digital socialization, Quality of life, Empathy, social intelligence, cyber victimization