What is Disinhibition Effect

This chapter investigates the transformation of traditional face-to-face sexual harassment (SH) to online sexual harassment (OSH). First, an overview of traditional workplace sexual harassment is discussed. Next, the issues of cyberbullying and cyberstalking are presented as a bridge to online sexual harassment, as the two former types of behavior can be seen in online sexual harassment and have both received considerable attention. Then, current research concerning online sexual harassment will be presented, including a discussion of factors that facilitate OSH, social media as a site of harassment, coping strategies, and effects. This concept is worthy of study because online sexual harassment represents a way for the perpetrator to victimize his or her target without the boundaries and restrictions of time, location, or fear of consequence. This chapter concludes with some practical recommendations for organizational leaders to implement to prevent both on- and offline SH from occurring within their company.