Digital violence

Digital media, such as mobile phones, PCs or the Internet, are fascinating and are becoming increasingly ubiquitous in our everyday lives. When used for the purpose of lambasting, insulting, denouncing, isolating, verbally harassing, blackmailing and threatening people, this is digital violence.

Digital violence comprises a wide range of forms of attack aimed at degrading, slandering, isolating socially and coercing or blackmailing a person into doing something specific. The anonymous approach facilitated by digital media makes it easier to carry out these attacks.

Some teenagers may act out of thoughtlessness and simple-mindedness. Adult perpetrators, however, are perfectly aware of what they are doing and want to trigger feelings of helplessness and fear in their victims.

Digital attacks, such as defamation and insults, are perpetrated by women and men. Consultants estimate, however, that the serious offences described in this text are mainly committed by men. Various forms of attack – not only digital ones – are often combined. The offenders are typically known to their victims. Sometimes, unknown offenders take action against several people and then wait to see who will take the bait.

Many of these attacks constitute offences, and people can be prosecuted for them.