Surrounded by Predators: The Lived Experiences of Online Harassment by Male Public Figures (International Journal of Bullying Prevention)

Public personalities, particularly journalists and politicians, are seriously at risk from online harassment. Although studies have been conducted on gendered characteristics, less is known about the experiences of men. This study uses interpretative phenomenological analysis to examine cyberharassment among male journalists and Members of Parliament in Malta. Two major themes surfaced: coping mechanisms (“From ‘standing the heat’ to firefighting”) and the psychological and emotional costs of abuse (“A gladiator amid tigers”). Reconciliation and discovering a purpose in public service were among the strategies used by participants. The report emphasizes the necessity of focused assistance and additional investigation to guide policies and safeguard public figures on the internet.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42380-025-00325-1