Under attack in the cyber battlefield : a scoping review of journalists’ experiences of cyberharassment

Abstract

This scoping review synthesises evidence on journalists’ experiences of online harassment. This review aims to (i) understand the prevalence and impact of cyberharassment among journalists, (ii) explore coping strategies adopted by this population, and (iii) map out differences influenced by sociodemographic characteristics. The search was performed until 31st August 2023 in 4 database hosts, accessing a total of 13 databases. A total of 19 records were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review. This review demonstrates that online harassment of journalists is pervasive on a global scale and that it is not confined to a particular geographical region, culture, or sociopolitical context. Apart from a myriad of emotional and psychological sequalae on an individual and collective level, cyberharassment of journalists threatens press freedom and deters the journalistic “watchdog” role through the promotion of self-censorship. There is significant knowledge about female journalists’ lived experiences of cyberharassment, partly due to the amplified frequency and severity of the abuse that is received. Yet little is known about the impact of cyberharassment on male journalists, and journalists with marginalised identities. Recommendations for the mitigation of the effects of cyberharassment among journalists are imparted on an individual, collective, organisational and societal level.