Online harassment has been around since the 1990s, and it has become more prevalent and deadly in today’s society. Understanding what online harassment is has become necessary in ensuring we don’t become bullies or be bullied ourselves. Continue reading to learn more about online harassment and what you can do to avoid it.
What Exactly is Online Harassment?
Online harassment is when someone or a group of people uses the internet to harass, bully, or cause fear in someone. These bullies frequently create phony profiles or impersonate people to avoid being caught.
In many ways, online harassment is similar to physical harassment; however, you should be careful when handling it yourself. This is because, unlike physical harassment, internet harassment spreads faster and farther, giving the sufferer even more distress. Sometimes, the victims have many people after them, delivering threats and making insulting remarks.
How to Identify Online Harassment
Online harassment is exhibited in many forms that are hard to miss. You are more than likely being harassed if you notice any of the following in your interactions with people on the internet.
- An individual is defaming you.
- Hate speech directed at you during a live call.
- Receiving graphic materials without consent.
- Threats where they seem to know your location.
When any of the following occurs, you can decide to block the individuals and report them to the site authorities. However, if these behaviours are repetitive and begin to worry you, you should do either of the following.
Contact the Police
Handle with seriousness any online harassment that you cannot stop by blocking and reporting the assailant’s profile. If there are threats of violence or rape made to you, head over to your local police station immediately to report the situation. With the help of the police, you can get a restraining order against the bully.
Seek Legal Help
If going to the police seems a bit too intimidating to you, then you could get in contact with a legal practitioner from a firm like Riviere Law to find other solutions. They will help you through the evidence collection process and advise you on the best options available for you if you wish to sue the harasser in court.
Final Thoughts
Online harassment is a social issue that everyone should handle with urgency. Online harassment has wrecked the lives of many victims and will continue to do so if the perpetrators are not brought to book. It has led to many cases of suicide and self-harm, has led many into anxiety and depression, and has changed the course of the rest of the lives of many victims. Don’t let yourself or a loved one become the next victim. Report any harassers you encounter now!