Cyber Harassment
Cyber Harassment Definition
Cyber harassment is a form of online abuse where someone targets another person with the intent to upset, threaten, or intimidate them. It typically occurs through digital platforms like social media, email, forums, or messaging apps. Cyber harassment can harm mental health, undermine a person’s sense of safety, and expose personal information. It can also create hostile online environments to discourage open communication.
💡This page is written for educational purposes only and shouldn’t be used as legal advice.
How Cyber Harassment Works
Online platforms allow harassers to act without confrontation, often under the cover of anonymity. Common tactics include:
- Sending continual aggressive or threatening messages.
- Posting harmful or false information to undermine someone’s credibility.
- Creating fake accounts to deceive or embarrass the target.
- Spreading rumors to damage trust or relationships.
- Flooding inboxes with unwanted messages or spam.
- Impersonating someone by hacking or taking over their account.
- Tagging or mentioning someone repeatedly in abusive posts.
Examples of Cyber Harassment
- Doxxing: Sharing someone’s personal information online without consent, such as their home address, phone number, or email.
- Trolling: Posting offensive or inflammatory comments to provoke others and disrupt conversations.
- Revenge porn: Distributing private images or videos without permission, often after a relationship ends. This can include manipulated content such as AI-generated deepfake images or videos.
- Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms to insult, threaten, or spread rumors about a person.
- Swatting: Making a false report to emergency services so responders are sent to the victim’s address.
- Online sexual harassment: Sending unwanted sexual messages, requesting explicit images, or objectifying someone online.
Read More
- What Is Cyberstalking?
- What Is an Internet Troll?
- Guide: What Is Doxxing and How to Protect Yourself Online
- How to Identify and Prevent Cyberbullying
FAQ
Cyberbullying usually happens between peers, often among younger people, and involves behaviors like insults, rumors, or exclusion. Cyber harassment is broader and can involve adults, strangers, or more severe actions that may cross into criminal behavior.
Most platforms provide tools to flag abusive accounts, remove harmful content, or submit formal complaints. Saving records of the harassment, such as messages or screenshots, can help authorities or legal representatives review the evidence if needed.
In many countries, certain forms of cyber harassment fall under criminal law. These may include threats, blackmail, or the distribution of private material without consent. Penalties depend on local regulations but can involve fines or jail time.
Anyone using digital platforms can experience cyber harassment. Commonly affected groups include public figures, younger users, marginalized communities, journalists, and activists. They often face significantly higher levels of hostility online because of their identities or work.
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