The rise of online harm - Individual, community, and institutional strategies to protect researchers

Abstract:

In an increasingly polarized and reactionary world, researchers are more and more likely to be the target of online harm. Faced with this reality and acknowledging the duty of researchers to contribute to public debates, how can we prevent and mitigate online harm to researchers? In this chapter, we discuss strategies to safeguard researchers and build a more resilient academic environment. We argue that the effective ways to respond to online harm are holistic: While researchers need to develop individual strategies to prevent or respond to online harm if they become targets, it is essential to integrate these strategies with support from research communities and institutions.

Read the full chapter in (Un)Silencing Academia in Times of Epistemic Conflicts [link].