Online Harassment on Social Media: Tales of Disturbing Offers and Derogatory Comments

Online harassment is becoming increasingly common for users of platforms like Vinted and Wallapop. Tania, an active user on social networks, shared that she was once offered 3,000 euros for a photo of herself urinating. Despite not having millions of followers, she regularly posts pictures on Instagram and Vinted. Every day, she faces harassing messages that range from covert to open. Profane comments like “How your little channel turns me on” greet her whenever she logs onto her profiles.

Another user, Ana, who sells clothes on Wallapop also receives disguised harassment messages disguised as flattery. After a conversation with a user who commented on a dress she was selling, Ana felt fed up with unsolicited opinions and flattery turning into contempt. From flattering messages, the conversation soon turned derogatory when Ana rejected the user’s advances, calling her “self-conscious.”

Psychologist Joan Salvador Villalonga explains that harassers often see their behavior as a right and exert dominance over women. When faced with rejection, they react poorly, assuming women secretly enjoy the attention. Victims of this harassment feel disgusted and repulsed by the messages they receive. With the potential legal implications of repetitive and coercive text messages, victims are advised to block the sender, report the harassment to the platform, and if necessary contact law enforcement. Legislation is becoming less lenient on this kind of behavior with potential prison sentences for persistent harassment.

In conclusion, it is essential for victims to take action against online harassment by blocking and reporting the sender. By raising awareness and publicly exposing harassers, victims can garner support from their followers and pressure platforms to take action. Legal consequences can follow persistent and threatening messages making it crucial to address online harassment promptly and effectively.

The frequent harassment often starts with alleged compliments but can quickly progress to obscene proposals in exchange for money. Tania rejected a disturbing offer to film herself urinating highlighting the potential danger especially for younger users.

Users of these platforms are increasingly speaking out against this harassment which has escalated into dangerous situations. Both platforms have zero-tolerance policies for unwanted or sexually explicit communication and encourage users to report any offensive behavior.

With advanced tools like artificial intelligence for content monitoring these platforms strive to keep their users safe.

It is time we take online harassment seriously and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions while supporting victims in seeking justice through legal action or reporting mechanisms provided by these platforms or law enforcement agencies.