Online harassment of U.S. women journalists and its impact on press freedom

Caitlin Ring Carlson · Haley Witt

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Journalism and Media Studies Freedom of Expression and Defamation Stalking, Cyberstalking, and Harassment

Abstract

This investigation aimed to determine whether and how online harassment affects U.S. women journalists. Of particular interest was whether online harassment creates a chilling effect by limiting the types of stories and topics that are covered, which may influence press freedom. The survey (n=141) indicated that negative online interactions caused most participants to feel dissatisfied with their jobs. A chilling effect on coverage was also evident in responses from participants. Some respondents avoided certain stories for fear of online abuse they would receive. An overwhelming majority of U.S. women journalists (79 percent) agreed that online harassment affected press freedom. In the United States, a free and fair press is an essential component of our democracy. This study found that online harassment prevents women journalists from serving in their capacity as a watchdog on government and other institutions.

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2023Same threats, different platforms? Female journalists’ experiences of online gender-based violence in selected newsrooms in Namibia 2022“Who’s Going to be a Creep Today?” Understanding the Social Media Experiences of Women Broadcast Journalists 2023When Will one Help? Understanding Audience Intervention in Online Harassment of Women Journalists 2023“I thought You Are Beautiful”: Uganda Women Journalists’ Tales of Mob Violence on Social Media 2023“When One Finger Picks Oil, It Reaches Others”: An Examination of Nigerian Journalists’ Perspective on Motivations for Online Harassment 2024Harassed for Their Job: Exploring Factors That Render Journalists Prone to Harassment and Intimidation 2025"I see it, I scroll past it.": Exploring Perceptions of Social Media Political Discourse Among Gen Z Young Adult Women In The U.S.

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