More and more Americans are reporting instances of online attacks and cyberhate, according to a new YouGov poll.
Reviewing the Extent of Online Harassment
In many regards, the internet is a double-edged sword. This is particularly accurate as it pertains to social media. On one hand, sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow individuals to make new friends, stay in contact with loved ones, and promote their businesses. However, ill-intentioned individuals also employ social media as a tool for nefarious deeds.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, 53% of surveyed persons affirmed subjection to cyberhate and online harassment last year. That percentage serves as a 12% increase from the amount of surveyed individuals who reported negative online experiences in 2017. To make matters even worse, 37% of Americans maintain that they have experienced intense levels of cyber harassment; examples of such include stalking, sexual harassment, and threats of physical harm.
Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, recently spoke out about the common aftermath of online abuse:
