The Effects of Online Harassment of Scientists on Bystander Scientists

Scientists who share research on social media increasingly face harassment, which is visible to many bystanders, including other scientists. We report a preregistered experiment testing how exposure to such harassment affects bystander scientists ( N = 846). Drawing on social identity approaches, we argue that bystander scientists may react similarly to directly targeted scientists. Results show that exposure to harassment increases anxiety and risk perceptions but does not reduce willingness to engage in science communication; it slightly increases perceived trustworthiness of targeted scientists. Presumed influence shapes some of these effects. Shifting attention to bystanders, we highlight broader societal consequences of harassment against scientists.