Online abuse, also known as cyberbullying, refers to the use of digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or harm others. This behavior can take many forms, including:
- Harassment: Persistent and unwanted communication, including threatening messages, spreading rumors, or sending offensive content.
- Defamation: Posting false information about someone to damage their reputation.
- Doxxing: Publicly sharing someone’s private information, like their location or phone number, without their consent.
- Trolling: Deliberately provoking or upsetting others by posting inflammatory or off-topic messages in online communities.
- Exclusion: Intentionally excluding someone from online groups or activities, leading to feelings of isolation and rejection.
- Impersonation: Creating fake profiles or accounts to deceive others, often to humiliate or harm the person being impersonated.
- Threats and Intimidation: Sending messages that make someone feel afraid for their safety.
- Shaming and Blaming: Publicly humiliating someone or blaming them for situations unfairly.
- Non-consensual sharing of intimate images: Distributing private and explicit images or videos without the individual’s consent.
Online abuse can have serious emotional and psychological effects on victims, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. It’s important to recognize online abuse. Address it promptly. Seek support if you or someone you know is experiencing it. If you’re facing any of these issues, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional for help.

