Japanese girl group 9nine, Author Hitoshi 061311 (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
Cyber harassment, like that involving the online influencer Bianca Devins and her family, is defined as the use of electronic technologies (computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices) to distress, stalk, or threaten someone [1][2][3][4A].
“The common factor is the use of technology to establish power and control by causing fear and/or intimidation [4B].”
Online harassment can range from ridicule (cyber bullying, trolling, and dogpiling), the spreading of rumors, and racist rant (hate speech), to the exposure of victims to unwanted sexual or other offensive content (sexual harassment), the dissemination of confidential information or imagery without consent (doxing, sextortion, and revenge porn), impersonation with malicious intent (deepfake), and prolonged surveillance with the intent to intimidate, injure, or kill (cyberstalking).
Victims may experience stress (severe embarrassment, humiliation, etc.), anxiety, hypervigilance, feelings of powerlessness, and fear for their own safety or the safety of loved ones. Performance in school and work suffers. Suicide can result.
The public can protect itself against cyber harassment by using current security software; strong passwords; and regularly updated privacy settings. Personal and location information should never be shared online.
Offenses should be reported to the social media platform, the educational institution or employer (as applicable), and police. Continue reading
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