Online Harassment of Celebrities and Influencers

Celebrities and influencers are harassed online on a daily basis. Online harassment mentally disturbs celebrities/influencers and negatively affects society. However, limited studies have been conducted on online harassment victimization of celebrities and influencers, and its effects remain unclear. We surveyed Japanese celebrities and influencers ($N=213$) about online harassment victimization, emotional damage, and action against offenders and revealed that various forms of online harassment were prevalent. Some victims used the anti-harassment functions provided by weblogs and social media systems (e.g., blocking/muting/reporting offender accounts and closing comment forms), talked about their victimization to close people, and contacted relevant authorities for concrete legal actions (talent agencies, legal consultants, and police). By contrast, some victims felt compelled to accept harassment and did not initiate actions for smaller offenses. We proposed several approaches to support victims, inhibit online harassment, and educate people. Our research would contribute that platforms establish a support system against online harassment.