Navigating Online Threats: Understanding, Evaluating, and Mitigating Online Harassment

The Online harassment, abusive, harmful, or threatening behaviour enacted through digital communication technologies, continues to rise across social media and other online platforms. This study investigates the nature and prevalence of online harassment, evaluates the effectiveness of current technological and policy‑based protective measures, and identifies gaps in user awareness and platform-level responses. Using a mixed‑methods approach, we conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies and gathered over 100 survey responses from diverse participants about their experiences with online threats, their understanding of online safety, and their perceptions of available preventative measures. Findings show that younger individuals, particularly women, experience higher levels of online harassment, while many users remain uncertain about the effectiveness of reporting processes, platform policies, and law-enforcement responses. Most respondents rely on personal actions such as blocking offenders, yet express low confidence in both platform-moderation tools and legal protections. These results highlight the need for stronger and more consistent platform policies, improved detection systems capable of identifying diverse forms of harassment, and broader education initiatives to enhance user awareness and safety practices. Theoretically, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how demographic factors and varying user experiences shape perceptions of harassment and influence the effectiveness of digital safety measures. Practically, the findings support the development of more adaptive platform interventions, clearer reporting mechanisms, and enhanced user‑education programs aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive online environment.