Haters: harassment, abuse, and violence online

Abstract

Cybersexism is rampant and can exact an astonishingly high cost. In some cases, the final result is suicide. Bullying, stalking, and trolling are just the beginning. Extreme examples such as GamerGate get publicized, but otherwise the online abuse of women is largely underreported. This book combines a history of online sexism with suggestions for solutions. Using current events and the latest available research into cybersexism, the author questions the motivations behind cybersexist activities and explores methods to reduce footprints of Internet misogyny, drawing parallels between online and offline abuse. By exploring the cases of Alyssa Funke, Rehtaeh Parsons, Audrie Pott, Zoe Quinn, Anita Sarkeesian, Brianna Wu, and others, and her personal experiences with sexism, the author develops a method of combating sexism online.