Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, connecting people across the globe. However, this interconnectedness has also given rise to a dark side – social media harassment. Defined as the intentional use of online platforms to intimidate, threaten, or demean others, social media harassment has become an alarming issue with widespread consequences beyond just the individual. Communities and workplaces can also be adversely affected, leading to fractured relationships, decreased productivity, and a loss of trust.
Types of Social Media Harassment
Social media harassment can include various forms of behavior that inflict harm and distress upon individuals. Cyberbullying, a widely recognized phenomenon, involves the deliberate targeting of individuals with hurtful messages and the spread of damaging rumors, creating a hostile online environment.
Cyberstalking consists of persistent and unwanted online surveillance, intruding into the personal lives of individuals. Concerned trolling introduces a subtler but equally impactful element, where perpetrators feign genuine concern or criticism while concealing malicious intent.
Another alarming trend is cyber-mob violence, commonly referred to as dogpiling, where multiple users coordinate a collective attack against a single target, intensifying the impact of the harassment. A similar trend called doxxing (derived from the word "docs" or "documents”), refers to the malicious act of publicly revealing private or personal information about an individual on the internet without their consent. Perpetrators of doxxing typically aim to harass, intimidate, or harm the targeted individual by exposing their sensitive data and is widely condemned due to its potential to cause harm and compromise the safety of the affected individuals.
Understanding the nuances of these distinct forms is imperative for developing and implementing targeted prevention strategies that address the specific challenges posed by each type of social media harassment.
Impact of Social Media Harassment
According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 40% of Americans have encountered online harassment, and among this demographic, half attribute their victimization to political motivations. Pew’s survey indicates that 75% of individuals who have been targets of online abuse, amounting to 31% of the overall American population, report that their most recent experience occurred on social media platforms. Individuals often experience hurtful comments, false information dissemination, and explicit threats, fostering an atmosphere of hostility — especially in a work environment.
The psychological toll of social media harassment is profound, with individuals reporting increased anxiety, depression, and, in severe cases, withdrawal from online and offline social activities. This pervasive behavior not only damages the immediate victims emotionally but also has broader implications for communities and workplaces, eroding trust and hindering open communication.
Social Media Harassment in the Workplace
The pervasive nature of social media means that the workplace is not immune to the far-reaching impact of social media harassment. Professionals, regardless of their position or industry, can become targets of online aggression that extends beyond the confines of traditional office hours. Social media harassment specific to the workplace can take various forms, including derogatory comments on professional profiles, false accusations of professional misconduct or ethical violations, unsolicited social media messages containing offensive or inappropriate content, and impersonation through the creation of fake profiles.
Social media harassment not only tarnishes the reputation of individuals but can also make it much more difficult for organizations to maintain a positive and inclusive work environment. As social media becomes increasingly intertwined with the professional lives of individuals, addressing and mitigating workplace-related social media harassment through prevention training is essential.
Countering Internet Harassment as an Employer
Countering social media harassment requires a multifaceted approach that empowers both individuals and organizations to create a safer online environment. On an individual level, proactive measures include adjusting privacy settings on social media platforms to control the visibility of personal information. Additionally, promptly blocking abusive accounts and reporting incidents to platform administrators can help mitigate the impact of harassment.
Organizations can play a pivotal role in prevention by implementing comprehensive social media policies that clearly outline acceptable online behavior and consequences for violations. Creating a culture of online respect within the workplace encourages employees to interact responsibly on social platforms. Employers should also stay informed about legal implications surrounding online harassment, ensuring that policies align with relevant laws and regulations.
Online Training to Prevent Digital Harassment
Education is another key component in the fight against social media harassment. Providing employees with training on internet safety, digital bystander intervention, and the potential legal consequences of online actions equips them to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. Additionally, organizations can conduct regular training to raise awareness about the various forms of online harassment and the available resources for reporting and seeking support. By fostering a supportive and educational environment, organizations can proactively address social media harassment and promote a culture of respect both online and offline.
By understanding the types and actions of social media harassment, implementing preventive measures, and considering the legal and ethical aspects, employers and their teams can work towards creating a safer and more respectful online space. EasyLlama’s Harassment Prevention training, including our Digital Harassment & Cyberbullying Prevention mini-course, can provide your employees with the knowledge and skills needed to identify, prevent, and respond to social media harassment in the workplace and to support their colleagues who may be experiencing similar situations. Access your free course preview today to learn more about our modern content and interactive quizzes designed to engage your employees and influence real change.
