How does online harassment differ from traditional forms of harassment?

Online harassment is distinct from traditional forms of harassment primarily because it often allows for anonymity and can disseminate quickly across various digital platforms, such as social media. The nature of the internet means that individuals can engage in harmful behaviors without revealing their identity, which may embolden them to act in ways they might not in face-to-face interactions. This anonymity can make it challenging for victims to identify their harassers and can contribute to a sense of helplessness or fear.

Additionally, the rapid spread of information online can amplify the effects of harassment. A single negative post or comment can go viral, reaching a large audience in a very short time, which is less possible in traditional harassment scenarios where the incidents are usually more localized and contained. The combination of these factors makes online harassment particularly pervasive and often more challenging to combat than traditional harassment.