Sexual Harassment as an Action of Exploitation in the Digital Realm

As technology evolved, humans created and developed what is now known as social media. These platforms are used to share moments of our life and to comment on others’ content. However, sometimes these comments are filled with hate and assault. In this context, assault includes sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment, according to Wikipedia, is a type of harassment involving explicit or implicit sexual overtones, including the unwelcome and inappropriate promises of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. This issue is found in both male and female content. Examples include excessive sexual comments, sexual jokes in memes or texts, and harassment related to gender identity. Sexual harassment can also affect underage individuals or minors.

Sexual harassment often manifests as a form of exploitation related to pornography. Examples include sharing nudes of another person without consent, pressuring someone to send sexual images or engage in a sexual conversation, and revenge porn. The impact on the victim is significant because these actions primarily benefit the perpetrator.

The effects on victims are closely linked to their mental well-being. Most victims feel upset, judged, and humiliated. Additionally, online communities are often more likely to blame the victim rather than the abuser. This can create an unsafe environment, making people more insecure and fearful of posting online due to the threat of sexual harassment. Furthermore, this can lead to the normalization of such behavior, with individuals starting to joke about or engage in sexual harassment to “fit in”, potentially increasing the frequency of these incidents.

Sexual harassment is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. The internet should be a safe place for sharing memories, not a platform for sexualization and harassment. We must work to end this harmful behavior and create a more secure online environment.

-By Nasya