Raising Community Awareness: Online Harassment and Doxxing

Online harassment refers to unwanted behavior that occurs through digital communication platforms, including but not limited to social media, email, and messaging apps. This can range from targeted insults and threats to the dissemination of private information with the intent to harm or intimidate.

Doxxing involves the malicious act of researching and publicly revealing personal or sensitive information about an individual without their consent with the intention of humiliation, harassment, or even identity theft. This may include home addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, or other private details.

It’s essential to recognize the signs of online harassment and doxxing early on to take appropriate action. These signs may include:

• Receiving threatening or harassing messages online, through phone calls, or in-person interactions.
• Noticing personal information being shared without consent on public forums or social media platforms.
• Experiencing a sudden influx of unwanted attention or contact from individuals.
• Feeling anxious, fearful, or distressed due to online interactions.

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of online harassment and doxxing, there are proactive steps individuals can take to minimize their vulnerability:

1. Guard Your Personal Information: Be cautious about the information you share online, including on social media platforms. Avoid posting sensitive details such as your address, phone number, or financial information.  This also includes details of your life that give someone clues on how or where to find you (such as, “checking in” on social media, who your relatives are, etc.)
2. Review Privacy Settings: Regularly review and adjust the privacy settings on your social media accounts to control who can see your information and interact with you online.

Resources:

• Article:  How To Protect Your Privacy on Social Media
• Facebook – Privacy Check-Up
• Stay Safe on YouTube
• Instagram- Managing Your Privacy Settings
• X (Formerly Twitter) – How You Can Control Your Privacy
• TikTok – Account Privacy Settings
• Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security.  Use a password manager, such as Lastpass, for optimal security and convenience.
• Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest trends and tactics used by online harassers and doxxers. Knowing what to look out for can help you better protect yourself and others.

Resources:

• FTC’s Consumer Guide on Latest Scams
• CISA:  4 Things To Keep You Cyber Safe
• NCA Stay Safe Online:  Safety Basics
• Kaspersky: Cyberbullying, What Is It?
• Digital Safety Guide:  Protecting Yourself During Online Harassment Attacks

If you or someone you know is experiencing online harassment or doxxing, it’s essential to take action promptly:

• Document Evidence: Keep records of any harassing messages, posts, or other online interactions, including screenshots and timestamps.
• Report Abuse: Most social media platforms and online communities have mechanisms in place for reporting abusive behavior. Utilize these tools to report instances of harassment or doxxing.
• Contact Authorities: If you feel that your safety is at risk or if the harassment escalates to include threats of physical harm, contact Campus Safety at (909) 607-2000 or call 9-1-1 if you are off-campus.
• Seek Support: Reach out to campus resources, such as counseling services or our DHSM & Title IX Office for support and guidance in navigating the situation.