Abstract

This rapid expansion of social media has transformed human communication, interaction and information sharing but it has created fertile ground for new cybersecurity threats that compromise users’ digital safety. This study investigates the impact of cybersecurity threats particularly cyberbullying on users’ privacy, identity, reputation and mental health across platforms like Instagram, X, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn and others. It examines the cybersecurity implications of social media threats by reviewing scholarly literature and case studies to identify measures. Findings reveal that age, language and platform design significantly influence vulnerability to cyberbullying while current mitigation strategies remain fragmented and reactive. Also reveals that weak privacy settings, anonymity and poor digital illiteracy contribute to the escalation of social media attacks, while emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are being leveraged to detect and prevent cyberbullying and misinformation. Additionally, emerging technologies such as AI-based content detection demonstrate potential but remain limited by language barriers, data bias and inconsistent enforcement. This study proposes an integrated digital-safety framework that combines platform governance, legal reform, user awareness and AI-driven monitoring. The insights contribute toward building safer social media ecosystems that promote accountability, digital well-being and cybersecurity resilience.