Project Synopsis
Title: Helping victims of online sexual harassment through online reporting and supporting systems
Numerous public health and psychology studies indicated that online sexual harassment (OSH) threatens victims’ health. And it is also a violation of human rights. Effective coping strategies can help victims of online sexual harassment reduce emotional distress. However, when experiencing online sexual harassment, the victim is vulnerable to coping with the situation. Therefore, we aim to develop an AI chatbot to give victims 24/7 social support. We will follow the Intervention Mapping Protocol (Bartholomew Eldrigde et al., 2016) to develop an evidence-based chatbot intervention targeted at victims of online sexual harassment. Based on existing scientific insights (gathered through a systematic literature review), new empirical findings, human-computer interaction theories, and supportive communication theories, the objectives and behavioral change methods will be specified. This top-down approach will be combined with a bottom-up approach. By giving a co-design workshop, I collect ideas from different stakeholders (e.g., young adults, teachers, academics, human rights researchers, and technological companies). The users will also be involved during the formative evaluation of the chatbot (e.g., in user experience tests), and in lab or field studies that test for efficacy.
host institution
organization(s)
supervisor(s)
Prof. Karolien Poels, University of Antwerp, persuasive technology, strategic communication
Prof. Heidi Vandebosch, University of Antwerp, cyberbullying, technological health interventions
Dr. Sara Pabian, Tilburg University, online aggression, online persuasive communication
Outputs
Tan, Y., Vandebosch, H., Pabian, S., Cappon, E., De smedt, L., & Poels, K. (2023, February 2-3). Healing or hurting? Analysis of online sexual harassment victims’ support-seeking posts on Reddit and replies they received. [Conference Presentation] Etmaal23, Enschede, Netherlands, https://www.etmaal2023.net/, Link to the presentation
Tan, Y., Vandebosch, H., Pabian, S., & Poels, K. (2023, February 11). Methods for reporting online sexual harassment. https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/p92t4
Tan, Y., Vandebosch, H., Pabian, S., & Poels, K. (2021, November 1-3). ICT interventions to support victims of online sexual harassment A scoping review [Conference Presentation]. World Anti-Bullying Forum, Stockholm, Sweden, https://worldantibullyingforum.com/previous-forums/wabf-2021/, Link to the presentation
Tan, Y., Vandebosch, H., Pabian, S., & Poels, K. (2021). (2021, November 1-3). Using co-design to create social media interfaces that help girls cope with online sexual harassment [Conference Presentation]. World Anti-Bullying Forum, Stockholm, Sweden, https://worldantibullyingforum.com/previous-forums/wabf-2021/, Link to the presentation