Electronic harassment from a psychological point of view

Psychologist and educational specialist Nadia Fahd Joudah wrote on the CyberX website:

                 #Electronic_media and #social_media are among the most prominent technological developments that we have witnessed in the last decade, as they have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, this #technological_development may be accompanied by some challenges and problems. One of the most dangerous of them is #electronic_harassment, which is also known as #cyberstalking , which means using #electronic_communications and digital technology to carry out acts of intimidation and attacks on individuals and breaches of privacy, whether directly or indirectly. It includes sending insulting or threatening messages via e-mail, text messages, or social media. It also includes spreading rumors and lies about a specific person, distorting his reputation, exposing him to public embarrassment, and defaming him, in addition to ridicule, surveillance, identity theft, or collecting information that can be used for blackmail or Embarrassment or harassment.

 Perhaps what is most disturbing is #sexual_harassment via the #Internet, which occurs through sending repeated immoral messages or shameful sexual video clips, and even the insistence on dating and explicit calls to engage in immoral acts without fear of a supervisor or judge. For harassers, it is no longer necessary for a personal interview to gain access. For their abnormal goals, they enter the lives of others with all insolence and boldness. With the development of the #Internet and chat programs, #harassers have become more experienced and knowledgeable in the methods of trapping victims. Threats and blackmail have begun to use the victim’s photos, or use them without the permission or approval of their owner, or even his knowledge of sharing them on various #electronic_media, which causes serious psychological and emotional effects on the victims. Especially since it is a violation of the privacy and personal dignity of individuals.

It is unfortunate that #electronic_harassment targets all people regardless of their gender or age, especially vulnerable individuals or groups, and also includes children, adolescents, women, ethnic communities, genders, and nationalities.

 As for the psychological effects of electronic harassment, it may be anxiety and psychological pressure, as targeted individuals feel constant anxiety and psychological pressure as a result of the pressure they are exposed to via #electronic_means, which creates a constant feeling of fear and insecurity in them.

This harassment also causes a decrease in optimism and self-satisfaction: it affects the individual’s perception of himself and leads to a decrease in the level of self-confidence and satisfaction, and even self-blame and self-flagellation, and a feeling of helplessness and weakness in the face of these #electronic_attacks. They  may also feel guilt and shame as a result of the harassment they are exposed to, as they wonder if… They deserved this mistreatment or if they did something to deserve it. Not only that, depression and low mood affect the individuals targeted as a result of exposure to the constant threats and attacks to which they are exposed. They feel sad and lose interest in the things that used to bring them happiness, which affects their overall quality of life due to the increase in constant nervous tension.

In addition to social isolation and lack of trust in others, the targeted individuals avoid communicating with others because they do not feel safe, which affects their personal and social relationships  and prevents them from communicating properly with others.

As for sleep disorders and insomnia, they are an inevitable result of victims who are exposed to continuous electronic harassment, which may destroy a person’s reputation and place charges against him of which he is innocent in an unforgiving society, which affects the quality of sleep, the ability to deeply relax, and the physical and mental preparation for adequate rest.

One of the disturbing effects of electronic harassment is a decrease in job and academic performance: it can affect the performance of individuals at work or study. They may find it difficult to concentrate and pay attention due to stress and anxiety, which affects their energy, performance and productivity.

These psychological effects accumulate over the long term, which may lead to more serious negative health effects such as chronic headaches, nervous tension, and pathological thinking. Targeted individuals may also suffer from decreased sexual desire and emotional problems. Perhaps contemplating suicide is one of the most dangerous effects resulting from #electronic_harassment, as targeted individuals may feel hopeless, helpless, and unable to deal with constant psychological pressure. They develop a desire to distance themselves from life or feel a lack of hope for the future, and this requires strong psychological and social support to deal with these dangerous thoughts .

It is important to emphasize that these psychological effects of electronic harassment vary from one person to another and can have a varying impact depending on the individual and ongoing circumstances of the harassment. Targeted individuals must be provided with psychological and emotional support and encouraged to seek appropriate help through psychological counseling or community support.