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"I'm a Professor, which isn't usually a dangerous job": Internet-facilitated Harassment and Its Impact on Researchers

Published: 18 October 2021 Publication History
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  • Abstract

    While the Internet has dramatically increased the exposure that research can receive, it has also facilitated harassment against scholars. To understand the impact that these attacks can have on the work of researchers, we perform a series of systematic interviews with researchers including academics, journalists, and activists, who have experienced targeted, Internet-facilitated harassment. We provide a framework for understanding the types of harassers that target researchers, the harassment that ensues, and the personal and professional impact on individuals and academic freedom. We then study preventative and remedial strategies available, and the institutions that prevent some of these strategies from being more effective. Finally, we discuss the ethical structures that could facilitate more equitable access to participating in research without serious personal suffering.

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    cover image Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction  Volume 5, Issue CSCW2
    CSCW2
    October 2021
    5376 pages
    EISSN:2573-0142
    DOI:10.1145/3493286
    Issue’s Table of Contents
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    Publication History

    Published: 18 October 2021
    Published in PACMHCI Volume 5, Issue CSCW2

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