Context and the Perception of Harm: Evidence from Online and In-Person Sexual Harassment

Alessandra Foresta (), Valentina Tonei () and Martina Vecchi
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Alessandra Foresta: University of Southampton
Valentina Tonei: University of Southampton

No 18715, IZA Discussion Papers from IZA Network @ LISER

Abstract: We provide causal evidence that the context in which harmful conduct occurs shapes how it is evaluated. We study this using a vignette-based survey experiment that holds behaviour constant while randomising whether an incident of sexual harassment occurs online or in person. Online settings generate a systematic discount in perceived seriousness (7% of the mean), with larger effects on willingness to report (13% of the mean) and preferred sanctions. The discount is concentrated in image-based harassment and larger among male respondents. In addition, it is not moderated by either direct or vicarious experience of harassment, suggesting that it may reflect normative perceptions of online harm as less serious rather than lack of exposure alone. These context-dependent distortions have implications for the enforcement of emerging legal protections, victim support, and the design of public communication around digital abuse.

Keywords: sexual harassment; misperceptions; perceived harm; social norms; digital environments (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C93 D83 D91 J16 K42 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-06
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-exp and nep-law
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