Online harrassment of women can have significant psychological impacts, including:

Anxiety and stress: Constant fear of potential attacks or exposure to hostile content.

Depression: Feelings of helplessness, isolation, and loss of self-worth.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): In severe cases, victims may experience PTSD symptoms.

Decreased self-esteem: Internalizing negative messages and questioning one’s value.

Social withdrawal: Reducing online presence or avoiding certain platforms.

Sleep disturbances: Difficulty sleeping due to stress and anxiety.

Hypervigilance: Constantly monitoring online spaces for potential threats.

Loss of trust: Difficulty trusting others online and sometimes offline.

Impaired work or academic performance: Difficulty concentrating or participating fully.

• To mitigate these impacts

Strengthen support systems: Encourage victims to seek help from friends, family, or professionals.

Improve platform policies: Social media and online platforms should implement stronger anti-harassment measures.

Education: Raise awareness about online harassment and its impacts.

Legal protections: Enhance and enforce laws against online harassment.

Digital literacy: Teach users about online safety and privacy measures.

Counseling and therapy: Provide accessible mental health resources for victims.

Community building: Create safe online spaces and support groups for women.

Bystander intervention: Encourage others to speak up against harassment.

Self-care strategies: Promote techniques like mindfulness and stress management.

Empowerment programs: Provide resources to help women reclaim their online presence.