The psychological impacts of Doxxing - and what is it?

What is doxxing?

Doxxing is the act of publicly revealing private or personal information about an individual without their consent. It can have significant and lasting psychological impacts on the victim with a range of psychological consequences associated with being a victim of this form of online abuse and intimidation.

Is it illegal?

In the Republic of Ireland, doxxing itself is not a crime. Under Coco's Law, existing legislation was updated in the defining characteristics of harassment, the scope of which now includes a variety other forms of persistent communications about a person. The most serious forms of harassment are punishable with between seven to ten years in prison. So, cases of doxxing are often dealt with on a casse by case basis making prosecution and categorisation both ambiguous and challenging. However, if there is an accompanying and explicit threat to harm, then that may give susbstance for the pursuit of criminal investigation. Here at ICCOH, we want clearly definitions and unambiguous parameters to help and support victims of doxxing to gain legal support and protection where needed.

What are the psychological and mental health impacts?

It's important to note that the psychological impact of doxxing can vary widely based on individual resilience, the severity of the incident, and the level of support available. Mental health professionals can play a crucial role in helping victims navigate the emotional challenges and develop coping strategies to rebuild their sense of security and well-being.

Fear and Anxiety:

• Immediate Fear: Victims often experience an immediate sense of fear and anxiety upon discovering that their personal information has been exposed. This fear can be heightened if the doxxer includes threats or explicit messages.

• Long-Term Anxiety: Even after the initial incident, victims may continue to experience anxiety about their personal safety and security, especially if they feel exposed and vulnerable.

Loss of Privacy and Control:

• Invasion of Privacy: Doxxing involves a profound invasion of an individual's privacy. The loss of control over one's personal information can lead to feelings of powerlessness and distress.

• Hyper-Vigilance: Victims may become hyper-vigilant about their online presence, constantly monitoring and restricting their activities in an attempt to regain a sense of control.

Stigmatization and Shame:

• Public Exposure: Doxxing often results in the victim's personal details being exposed to a wide audience. This exposure can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and social stigmatization.

• Judgment and Blame: Victims may be unfairly judged or blamed for the incident, contributing to feelings of isolation and self-blame.

Cyberbullying and Harassment:

• Escalation of Harassment: Doxxing is often accompanied by an escalation of online harassment and cyberbullying. The victim may receive threatening messages, hate speech, and other forms of abusive communication.

• Isolation: The barrage of negative online interactions may lead to social isolation as victims may withdraw from online spaces to avoid further harassment.

Impact on Mental Health:

• Depression and Anxiety Disorders: The cumulative stress from doxxing, harassment, and loss of privacy can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety disorders.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): In severe cases, victims may develop symptoms of PTSD, including intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and heightened arousal, as a result of the traumatic experience.

Damage to Professional and Personal Life:

• Career Consequences: For some victims, doxxing can have serious repercussions on their professional life, as employers and colleagues may be exposed to personal information that can be misconstrued or used against them.

• Strained Relationships: Personal relationships may suffer as a result of the strain caused by the doxxing incident, leading to difficulties in trust and communication.

Coping Mechanisms and Support:

• Seeking Support: Victims often find solace in seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Having a strong support system can be crucial in coping with the emotional aftermath.

• Legal Recourse: Exploring legal avenues for addressing doxxing incidents can provide a sense of justice and help in mitigating the psychological impact.