The threat of cyber-bullying in politics

Solly Rakgomo | Tuesday April 8, 2025 11:53

While the internet has provided a platform for political networking, social interaction, and information sharing, it has also given rise to a serious and pervasive issue: cyberbullying.

Often associated with teenagers and young people, cyberbullying is increasingly affecting many people in political, social, and personal contexts. Unlike traditional bullying, which is confined to physical spaces, cyberbullying transcends geographical boundaries and infiltrates the personal lives of its victims through digital means, making it difficult to escape.

The anonymity and vast reach of the internet enable perpetrators to intimidate, harass, and humiliate their targets, leading to devastating psychological, emotional, and professional consequences. This is very common whenever there is a political topic of discussion that involves political parties within a state.

For politicians, cyberbullying can impact their political careers, relationships, mental well-being, and overall quality of their life. Understanding the nature of cyberbullying in politics, recognising its various forms, and implementing strategies to combat it are crucial in fostering a safer digital environment fit for proper democratic discourse.

Types of cyberbullying in politics

Cyberbullying in politics can take many different forms, ranging from subtle harassment to direct threats and public humiliation. One of the most prevalent forms is online harassment, where political opponents are subjected to persistent and offensive messages, including threats, derogatory comments, and personal attacks. This type of cyberbullying creates a hostile online political environment and can have serious consequences not only for the victim’s mental health but overall political participation in the democratic space.

Doxxing is another alarming form of cyberbullying that disproportionately affects politicians, (as they are mainly in the public eye) or with strong online presences. Doxxing involves the exposure of a politician’s private and sensitive information, such as home address, phone number, workplace, or financial details, without their consent. This malicious act can result in real-world dangers, including stalking, identity theft, and even physical violence. Many politicians and their followers have fallen victim to doxxing, leading to severe disruptions in their personal and professional lives.

Cyberstalking is an extreme form of online harassment that involves repeated, unwanted attention that instills fear and distress in the victim. Cyberstalkers may send threatening messages, track an individual politician’s online activities, and attempt to intimidate them into submission. In severe cases, cyberstalking can escalate into real-world stalking and violence, making it a matter of law enforcement concern.

Online impersonation is another form of cyberbullying that can have severe consequences for politicians, particularly those in professional fields. Perpetrators create fake profiles or hack legitimate accounts to impersonate their targets, spreading misinformation, damaging reputations, and manipulating social or professional circles. False accusations and defamation through impersonation can ruin political careers, destroy trust, and lead to severe emotional distress for those who are involved in politics.

Cancel culture and public shaming have become prevalent in the digital age, often leading to cyberbullying disguised as activism or accountability. While holding politicians accountable for their actions is important, internet users sometimes engage in mass harassment, spreading misinformation and launching coordinated attacks against politicians who may not have the means to defend themselves. The long-term impact of public shaming can be devastating, with politicians losing public trust, facing social isolation, and experiencing extreme emotional turmoil.

Exclusion and professional sabotage occur when politicians are deliberately ostracised or undermined in digital spaces. This can take the form of being blocked from political networking groups, excluded from party communication channels, or targeted in campaigns designed to damage their careers or political campaigns. Cyberbullying in the political space, including digital gaslighting and group harassment, is an increasing concern in modern professional environments.

The Impact of cyberbullying on politicians

The psychological, emotional, and professional effects of cyberbullying on politicians can be severe and long-lasting. Victims of cyberbullying often experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The constant fear of being targeted online can lead to self-isolation, withdrawal from social media, and even reluctance to engage in professional activities that require an online presence.

This unfortunately limits the overall potential of a politician to engage in meaningful democratic discourse.

For politicians, cyberbullying can have significant career implications. False allegations, reputation attacks, and online harassment can result in the loss of political office, reduced future career employment opportunities, and damage to personal and professional relationships. Many politicians find themselves forced to change careers or relocate due to cyberbullying threats and harassment. Financial consequences also arise when cyberbullying leads to doxxing, identity theft, or hacking. Victims may incur legal expenses, security costs, and loss of income due to professional damage.

Furthermore, cyberbullying can strain personal relationships, as victims may feel ashamed or unwilling to discuss their experiences with family and friends. Perhaps the most concerning impact of cyberbullying is its effect on mental health of politicians. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to online harassment can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, and severe emotional breakdowns. The persistent nature of cyberbullying, where harmful content can remain online indefinitely, exacerbates these mental health struggles, making recovery more difficult.

Combating cyberbullying in politics

Addressing cyberbullying in politics requires a collective effort from individuals, employers, policymakers, and digital platforms.

At the individual level, politicians should understand how to protect oneself from online harassment. Victims should avoid engaging with cyberbullies, as retaliation can often escalate the situation. Instead, utilising platform tools such as blocking, muting, and reporting can help mitigate further abuse.

Keeping records of harassment incidents, including screenshots and timestamps, can serve as valuable evidence if legal or professional intervention becomes necessary. Seeking support from mental health professionals, friends, or support groups can provide emotional resilience and guidance.

In professional settings, employers must take cyberbullying seriously by establishing clear policies on digital harassment and providing employees with resources to report and address workplace cyberbullying. Organisations should foster a culture of respect, inclusivity, and digital responsibility to prevent online abuse. Governments and legal systems play a vital role in combating cyberbullying by enforcing stricter laws against online harassment, doxxing, and cyberstalking. Law enforcement agencies should be equipped to handle cybercrime effectively, ensuring that perpetrators face consequences for their actions.

Public awareness campaigns can help educate individuals about their digital rights and the steps they can take to stay safe online. Social media companies and online platforms also bear significant responsibility in addressing cyberbullying.