What Is Online Harassment?

As we've moved toward a more internet-friendly society in the past few decades, a problem that was simple to overlook at first has now surfaced – online harassment. This has been present since people could afford phones and access to the internet. Many internet users attest to having experienced harassment in different forms. This is why it is best to enlighten yourself on it and how to deal with it should you or a loved one ever experience it.

Definition of the term “Online Harassment”

Online harassment entails using the internet to threaten, intimidate, or bully an individual or organisation. Online harassment can come in any of the following forms, although not limited to them:

• Making defamatory comments about someone or an organisation

• Sending malicious texts to people

• Sending graphic materials like pornography to someone without their consent

• Making derogatory and threatening comments during a live chat or call

• Threatening harm to a person or group of people

• Impersonation

• Revenge porn - Posting images or videos of a previous partner

• Encouraging others to harass the person

Effects of Online Harassment on Victims

Online harassment has a significant impact on the lives of the victims and the people closest to them, from panic attacks to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-harm. In extreme cases, some of these victims even attempt suicide. Many who survive online harassment end up scarred and may hurt themselves or the people they care about.

How to Handle Online Harassment

Unsurprisingly, the majority of online harassment occurs on social media platforms, because these networks are composed of different people from different backgrounds. However, prejudices and misunderstandings cannot justify harassment.

Here are ways you can handle online harassment to stop its occurrence.

Mute the Perpetrator

Muting the accounts of first-time offenders or ignorant offenders is a simple way to deal with them. This way, you won’t see posts and might never get bothered by them again.

Block and Report their Accounts

If you have repetitive offenders, you can block and report their accounts. However, this route works best if you are sure that you do not intend to pursue legal action against them. By barring them, you will not be able to keep track of further harassment from them, which you might need to support your case.

Seeking Legal Action

If you would rather seek legal action against the offenders, you should either visit the police or enlist the help of a lawyer experienced in handling such cases, such as those at Riviere Law. If you decide to go through this route, you must also keep records of your interaction with the perpetrator to serve as evidence when needed.

Bottom Line

No one should ignore online harassment because it can destroy lives. If someone you know is a victim of online harassment, let them know how they can stop the offender or seek justice against them.

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