Online aggression comes in many forms, from cyberbullying to trolling and harassment. These digital attacks can have serious psychological impacts, causing depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem in victims.
The anonymity of the internet often emboldens aggressors, making online spaces feel unsafe. Understanding the types and tactics of online aggression is crucial for creating safer digital environments and supporting those affected.
Cyberbullying: Forms and Impact
Defining Cyberbullying and Its Characteristics
- Cyberbullying is the use of digital technologies to intentionally and repeatedly engage in hostile or aggressive behavior towards an individual or group
- Cyberbullying occurs through various digital platforms (social media, instant messaging apps, online gaming, email)
- The anonymity and accessibility of the internet can make cyberbullying more pervasive and difficult to escape compared to traditional bullying
- Cyberbullying can have significant psychological and emotional consequences for victims
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
Forms of Cyberbullying
- Sending threatening messages
- Spreading rumors or personal information online
- Impersonating someone online
- Excluding individuals from online groups or activities
Online Trolling Behavior
Characteristics of Online Trolling
- Online trolling is the act of intentionally provoking, offending, or antagonizing others in online spaces for personal amusement or to elicit a reaction
- Trolling behavior is characterized by:
- Lack of empathy
- Disregard for social norms
- Desire to cause chaos or conflict in online communities
- Online anonymity and the lack of face-to-face interaction can embolden trolls and make it easier for them to engage in aggressive or antisocial behavior without immediate consequences
Tactics Used by Online Trolls
- Posting inflammatory, off-topic, or offensive comments in online forums, social media, or comment sections to disrupt conversations and provoke emotional responses
- Using various tactics to mask their true intentions and maintain plausible deniability
- Sarcasm
- Exaggeration
- Playing devil's advocate
Online Harassment: Impact on Victims
Defining Online Harassment
- Online harassment is the targeted and repeated use of digital technologies to annoy, threaten, or intimidate an individual or group
- Forms of online harassment include:
- Sending unwanted messages
- Making threats
- Sharing personal information without consent (doxxing)
- Using technology to stalk or monitor someone's online activities
- Online harassment can be motivated by various factors (personal grudges, discrimination, desire to assert power and control over others)
Consequences of Online Harassment for Victims
- Emotional distress
- Fear for their safety
- Damage to their reputation
- Disruption to their daily lives
- Online harassment can have a chilling effect on free speech and participation in online spaces
- Victims may self-censor or withdraw from online communities to avoid further abuse
Direct vs Indirect Online Aggression
Direct Online Aggression
- Involves targeted attacks or confrontations between the aggressor and the victim
- Sending threatening messages
- Engaging in online arguments
- Often more overt and easier to identify, as it involves direct communication between the aggressor and the victim
Indirect Online Aggression
- Involves more subtle or covert forms of hostility
- Spreading rumors
- Manipulating social relationships
- Excluding individuals from online groups
- Can be more difficult to detect and address, as it often occurs behind the scenes and may involve multiple parties
Both direct and indirect forms of online aggression can have significant negative impacts on victims, but the specific consequences may differ depending on the nature and context of the aggression.