What is online bullying?

There is always a downside, and this also applies to our growing online presence and use of social media. Social media is indeed widely used to facilitate contact with others – and this includes those whom one does not wish to contact. It is easier to bully and carry out harassment online because, due to the possibility of being anonymous, it can be difficult to trace the perpetrator. Therefore, it is largely experienced that ordinary bullying has accompanied the digital age and has turned into online harassment.

When does it constitute harassment?

Both ordinary harassment and online harassment can be difficult to define precisely. According to the official definition of harassment, it is a deliberate, malicious teasing or persecution of individuals and others with the intent to discriminate, humiliate, weaken, or threaten. In other words, one can describe online harassment as digital bullying or psychological violence. Online harassment can be carried out by strangers as well as people one knows. However, it is often seen that digital harassment comes from people with whom one has had a connection. If someone repeatedly tries to make contact after it has been made clear that it is unwanted, it constitutes harassment. If this is done via social media or the internet, it is online harassment. Often, it is small actions that, when viewed in a larger context, can appear disturbing to the victim's life. When the actions are unwanted, persistent, and fear-inducing, carried out via social and online media, it constitutes online harassment. 

Online harassment can occur in many ways

Today, online harassment can take many forms and occur in various ways. Online harassment can, for example, involve receiving threats of physical or sexual violence. In severe cases, there can also be death threats. If rumors are spread about someone or personal details are shared online, it also constitutes online harassment. Sexual, degrading, and discriminatory actions are also frequently seen. In short, one can say that digital actions aimed at intimidating and belittling the victim constitute online harassment. Online harassment can be difficult to stop, as the perpetrator(s) can create anonymous profiles on many social platforms, making it hard to trace them.

Online bullying typically affects women

It is primarily women who are subjected to online harassment. In fact, a study conducted for Amnesty International shows that no less than every 5th Danish woman experiences online harassment[1]. It is particularly sexual, discriminatory, and degrading comments and actions that are used to target women. 17% of all women have experienced online harassment at least once in their lives – and 32% of these fear for their physical safety. Therefore, online harassment is a problem, and there is a growing trend. At the same time, online harassment is an issue that should be taken as seriously as ordinary harassment, as it can have significant mental consequences for the victims.

When discussing digital harassment in workplace contexts, it is also more often women than men who are affected. A study from Digitalt Ansvar, supported by Velliv Foreningen, shows that 11% of women and 7% of men have experienced digital harassment in connection with their work [2]. 

[1] https://amnesty.dk/nyhedsliste/2017/én-ud-af-fem-danske-kvinder-oplever-chikane-paa-nettet

[2] https://digitaltansvar.dk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Digitalt-Ansvar-2021_Digital-chikane-paa-det-private-arbejdsmarked_dec.pdf

Consequences in private life – and at work

Online harassment has at least as many and serious consequences as ordinary harassment. While the digital aspect makes it easier for the perpetrator to get away with their actions, it makes it harder for the victim to avoid them. If emails, messages, texts, and other notifications keep coming in on both phone and computer, it can be difficult to escape the problem. Therefore, one of the primary consequences is that the victims change their behavior on social media. They refrain from sharing their opinions and being active. Some go so far as to completely shut down their profiles to avoid the harassment.

However, the consequences do not stop here. If one is subjected to online harassment for an extended period, it can greatly affect one's mental health. Many experience panic attacks, stress, and a fear for their own and their family's safety as a result of online harassment. Additionally, many say that the harassment negatively impacts their self-esteem and confidence. Victims also experience sleep problems and concentration difficulties. Moreover, the consequences of online harassment can lead one to become afraid of opening emails, answering the phone, and generally going out. At the same time, a quarter of surveyed victims fear for their family's safety. Online harassment can thus have significant and far-reaching consequences, both in private life and in working life.

Difficult to find help in managing online harassment

To make matters worse, many victims of online harassment find it difficult to seek and receive help in managing the problem. Many social platforms have reporting functions that one can use if they experience threats, unpleasant comments, or similar. However, it is far from guaranteed that the report will lead to action from the platform's side. In fact, as many as 40% feel that social platforms generally handle digital harassment unsatisfactorily. At the same time, online harassment often occurs across platforms, and it can therefore be difficult to receive professional handling if one contacts the individual platforms. As an alternative, one can choose to go to the police for help with appropriate and professional management of online harassment. However, it is not certain that this will be a better solution. Indeed, a significant 43% feel the police handle cases of digital harassment unsatisfactorily. If one is a victim of digital harassment, it can therefore be difficult to know where to turn when needing help in management and support throughout the process.

Protect your employees from digital harassment

So what can one actually do to protect against online harassment? As a company, you can make an effort to secure your employees against online harassment. With insurance against online harassment and other digital threats, your employees are assured competent, prompt, and professional help in cases of digital harassment.

Significant and essential benefits of insurance

Insurance against digital threats gives the employee a sense of security. They are guaranteed a rapid, professional, and optimal response from experienced professionals in cases of online harassment. For the individual employee, it is both anonymous and cost-free to receive support for good and secure management of online harassment.

Insurance will also benefit the company as a whole. Insuring employees against something as real as online harassment and other digital threats sends a strong internal signal. This will enhance job satisfaction and contentment among employees. At the same time, professional management will allow any victims of online harassment to recover more easily from the incident and avoid sick days, stress, and other follow-up consequences. Last but not least, a company that has secured itself will be able to send a signal to the outside world with a unique badge on their website.