Online harassment affects half of Americans: study

Online harassment affects half of Americans: study

Almost half of US internet users say they have been a victim of online harassment or abuse ranging from name-calling to stalking to physical threats, a survey showed Monday.

Women, the under-30s, and people identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual were all more likely to experience such harassment -- and were also more likely to self-censor what they post online as a result, researchers found.

Forty-seven percent of people reported experiencing at least one form or online harassment or unwanted contact, according to the study by the Data & Society Research Institute and Center for Innovative Public Health Research.

More than a third (36 percent) had suffered "direct harassment," including being called offensive names, threatened physically or stalked.

Three in 10 said they had been victims of "invasion of privacy," including having sensitive data or photographs stolen or posted without their permission, or having their online activity tracked.

A large majority of people -- 72 percent -- also said they had witnessed such conduct online.

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When one posts nearly every event, meal, or bowel movement one makes, complete with personal identifying information for all to see, what could possibly go wrong?

If you have any kind of social media account in which you're using your real name, real photos, ect... you're a moron.

Do not get mad at the sun if you go to the beach and get burned...

Either don't go to the beach or wear sunblock...

Problem solved.

-Chris

a reply to: loam


How terrible.. it isn't like you can simply turn off your computer or delete your social media.. oh wait. Lol.

I offended!!!! Cuz words!!!

a reply to: loam

Online bullying is actually serious because words really do hurt people. But, the solution is not on the attacker's end but on the defender's end. 1) Ditch your ego. 2) Grow a backbone. 3) Don't fight fire with fire. 4) Defend people who cannot defend them self.

My friend was called an idiot online and I told my friend to reply telling the person something they've done recently that was idiotic while also mentioning the comment was mean. The conversation's hostility came to an instant end.

Wonder why this narrative is being pushed.

I hope someone saves us from the fake news out there.

a reply to: fractal5

5) delete social media
6) turn off the computer
7) ignore, because there's nothing the other person can do about it if you don't respond, and most people like that are simply looking to get a rise out of someone

We need to stop forcing these people to use a computer. Lets pass a law!

a reply to: loam

yep only a dumbass uses their real life events on the internet and expect no blow back. i mean didn't/don't they go to school,work, other places where people gather or can see them that have a zero tolerance policy, people still____ with them regardless of what the consequences. then to come to the internet and expect a different outcome where people often use factious names or even their own is just stupid.

the world will never be a big ol utopia where there is nothing but love, peace and harmony. grow up and face facts.

a reply to: rexsblues

Those who believe they are anonymous when using the internet are the real fools. There are multiple ways your online activity can be traced back to your actual identity. Whether you are using a computer, a smart phone, iPad or other device to access the internet, whether you are operating through a firewall, VPN or proxy, if those in power really will it, they can find out who you are and where you are.

More detailed information here along with a link to the report.

I got harassed online by my own daughter.
She said I was a bad father because I didn't vote for Hillary.

originally posted by: hounddoghowlie
a reply to: loam

yep only a dumbass uses their real life events ......

Now just wait a minute....

a reply to: Dumbass

present company excluded.

I did it the right way, No social media account whatsoever. Even if I did there would be nothing to gain from what I post. I can troll harder than randumb people troll me.

It took many years to master.

a reply to: loam

a reply to: fractal5

I agree with your points 1,2 and 3 but 4 is wrong: Rather then defend those that cant defend themselves, teach them to defend themselves, wich is much more usefull to both partys in the long run.

In general i agree with what alot of others already stated: Dont use real names, dont invite random ppl, dont put your life story on the internet etc etc. ppl who do have a serious problem with their self-worth.

In one post I read that people have to self censor because of what other people think ,in another post I read that people who don't self censor are the ones in trouble. ...
I just don't get it. ..

a reply to: JHumm

Difference between lefties and rightys i guess