Online Harassment of Japanese Celebrities and Influencers

TL;DR

This study quantitatively characterizes online harassment victimization among Japanese celebrities and influencers via an online survey of $N=213$ participants, examining direct and indirect harassment, emotional injury, and responses. Using exploratory factor analysis and a structural equation model on a subset of $N=197$ (and $N=197$ for SEM with ordinal age), the authors identify prevalence across public and private spaces and significant associations with demographic and media-exposure factors. Key findings show that harassment is common, with indirect harassment nearly as frequent as direct forms, and that factors such as mass-media appearances and follower counts modulate vulnerability and emotional impact; victims employ platform tools and seek social or legal support, though many remain silent, especially regarding private or dating-related harassment. The paper proposes practical approaches—policy clarifications, step-by-step harassment guides, platform-design adjustments (e.g., private-message re-consideration), mental health support, and legal resources—to support victims and curb abuse, with implications for platforms seeking to strengthen anti-harassment systems and public understanding of this social problem.

Abstract

Famous people, such as celebrities and influencers, are harassed online on a daily basis. Online harassment mentally disturbs them and negatively affects society. However, limited studies have been conducted on the online harassment victimization of famous people, and its effects remain unclear. We surveyed Japanese famous people ($N=213$), who were influential people who appeared on television and other traditional media and on social media, regarding online harassment victimization, emotional injury, and action against offenders and revealed that various forms of online harassment are prevalent. Some victims used the anti-harassment functions provided by weblogs and social media systems (e.g., blocking/muting/reporting offender accounts and closing comment forms), talked about their victimization to close people, and contacted relevant authorities to take legal action (talent agencies, legal consultants, and police). By contrast, some victims felt compelled to accept harassment and did not initiate action for offenses. We propose several approaches to support victims, inhibit online harassment, and educate people. Our findings help that platforms establish support systems against online harassment.

Figures (7)

• Figure 1: Overview of the SEM
• Figure 2: Direct harassment frequencies of offender types and methods
• Figure 3: Indirect harassment frequencies
• Figure 4: Emotional damages
• Figure 5: Action against online harassment