Surrounded by predators : the lived experiences of online harassment by male public figures

Abstract

Online harassment is a pervasive threat to public figures, with journalists and politicians facing heightened exposure due to their visibility and engagement in public discourse. While international research has explored the gendered nature of cyberharassment, little is known about the lived experiences and coping strategies of male public figures. This study focuses on the lived experiences of cyberharassment among male journalists and Members of Parliament (MPs) in Malta. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with three MPs and three journalists, aged between 28 and 70 years. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Findings reveal substantial commonalities between journalists and MPs in both the impact of harassment and the coping mechanisms employed. Two superordinate themes emerged: “A gladiator among tigers”, which captures a range of adverse physical, psychological, and emotional effects, as well as concerns for others and about the changing online environment; and “From ‘standing the heat’ to firefighting”, which examines the problem-solving, emotion-focused, and avoidance coping strategies used to manage cyberharassment. Notably, participants described unique coping methods, such as seeking reconciliation with perpetrators and deriving meaning from public service through investigative journalism. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by male public figures in the digital sphere. A series of individual and structural strategies are recommended to support individuals experiencing online harassment. Further research is needed to explore intersectional factors and to inform policy and practice recommendations for safeguarding the wellbeing of public figures against online harassment.