To intervene or not to intervene: young adults’ views on
when and how to intervene in online harassment

To intervene or not to intervene: young adults’ views on
when and how to intervene in online harassment

social networking sites, online communities, qualitative methods, young adults, bystanders

Incidents of online harassment are increasing and can have significant consequences for victims. Witnesses (“digital bystanders”) can be crucial
in identifying and challenging harassment. This study considered when and how young adults intervene online, with the aim of understanding
the applicability of existing theoretical models (i.e., Bystander Intervention Model; Response Decision-Making Framework). Thematic analysis of
eight focus groups (UK community sample, N 1⁄4 67, 18–25 years) resulted in five themes: Noticing and Interpreting the Harassment, Perceived
Responsibility for Helping, Consequences of Intervening, Perceived Ability to Make a Difference, and Deciding How to Help. The online context

amplified offline preferences, such as greater preference for anonymity and perceived costs of intervention (e.g., social costs). Intervention strat-
egies varied in visibility and effort, preferring “indirect” micro-interventions focused on supporting victims. A new, merged model specific to digi-
tal bystanders is proposed, with implications for the design and messaging on social networking sites discussed.

Anna Davidovic1,*, Catherine Talbot 2

, Catherine Hamilton-Giachritsis3

, Adam Joinson1

https://doi.org/10.1093/jcmc/zmad027

17 May 2023

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