What Is the Real-Life Impact of Online Harassment?

Hack Harassment, a coalition dedicated to building a more inclusive and supportive online community, released Friday the first in a series of public service announcement (PSA) videos.

They aim to raise awareness to the problem of online harassment, its real-life impact and the responsibility people share to speak out against it.

Featuring recording artist Kesha, the short video illustrates the prevalence and severity of online harassment by featuring real-life examples and a call for viewers to stand together and take action.

“I am honored to participate in Hack Harassment’s PSA campaign,” Kesha said.

Online harassment is pervasive. According to a Data & Society / CiPHR Measuring Cyberabuse poll, young people younger than age 30 are more likely to witness online harassment, with nearly 65 percent of all American men and women between ages 15 and 29 having experienced online harassment or abuse.

“Everyone deserves the right to be safe online, especially our young people whose digital and offline lives are inexorably linked,” said Cynthia Germanotta, president and co-founder of Born This Way Foundation, which is a founding partner of Hack Harassment.

In partnership with Screen Vision Media, the PSA featuring Kesha will run on 5,000 screens at 654 theatres across the country throughout the month of February as well on various social media channels managed by Hack Harassment and its partners.

Hack Harassment is currently working on partnering with other high-profile celebrities for upcoming PSAs.