In the spotlight and under attack: Cyber sexual harassment of public figures on Instagram

Ramly L.M. Nazri S.M. Adzmi A.M.
2025 Taylors University Lakeside Campus

SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research
2025 #17 Issue 2 17 - 34 pp.

In Malaysia, celebrities on Instagram are increasingly at risk of cyberbullying, particularly through obscene messages—a form of online abuse known as cyber sexual harassment. This type of harassment involves various behaviours that exploit digital content on social media platforms to target individuals. This study focuses on cyber sexual harassment directed at Malaysian celebrities on Instagram, examining its emotional impact and the coping strategies they employ in response. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 male and female celebrities who have experienced cyber sexual harassment, revealing that both male and female celebrities are subjected to such harassment. The emotional impacts identified include feelings of fear, trauma, anger, depression, disturbance, emotional pain, and a constant sense of being watched. Celebrities reported using coping mechanisms such as ignoring the messages or blocking the perpetrators. The findings indicate that cyber sexual harassment can have serious emotional consequences, prompting a range of coping actions. This study suggests that no single action effectively addresses all aspects of harassment, as celebrities often employ multiple strategies to manage their experiences. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these coping mechanisms in reducing the emotional impact of cyberbullying.

celebrities , Cyber sexual harassment , cyberbullying , emotional , Instagram

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Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia
Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia
KIMEP University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Faculty of Communication and Media Studies
Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation
KIMEP University

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