Naila Sohrat Tasbiha:
Sextortion is a form of online sexual exploitation and blackmail where individuals are coerced into providing explicit or intimate content (such as photos or videos) under the threat of having that content exposed, shared, or distributed without their consent. The term “sextortion” is derived from the combination of “sexual” and “extortion.”
The impacts of ‘sextortion’ can be devastating, as “victims suffer both financially and emotionally”. In a recent article titled “Short-Term and Long-Term Impacts of Financial Sextortion on Victim’s Mental Well-Being”, Roberta Liggett O’Malley tried to understand how financially motivated sextortion impacts victims’ mental well-being and found that there can have short-term impacts and long-term impacts. Worry, stress, anxiety, self-blame are example of short-term impacts. Long-term impacts included continuing episodes of anxiety. Basically, the consequences of sextortion extend far beyond the digital realm, inflicting profound emotional and psychological scars on victims. The threat of exposure and potential humiliation leads to heightened levels of anxiety, fear, and distress. Victims often grapple with shame, guilt, and a pervasive sense of violation, with long-lasting impacts on their mental well-being. The emotional toll may result in social withdrawal, damaged relationships, and, in extreme cases, contribute to conditions such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or even suicide.
What is the story of Amanda Todd?
Amanda Todd was a Canadian teenager who tragically took her own life in October 2012 after experiencing severe and prolonged online harassment, bullying, and exploitation. Her case drew international attention and highlighted the devastating consequences of cyberbullying and sextortion. Here is an overview of Amanda Todd’s case:
Amanda Todd became a victim of cyberbullying and online exploitation when, at the age of 12, she was coerced into exposing her breasts during a video chat with an anonymous stranger. The perpetrator captured images of the incident and later used them for harassment. The explicit images were circulated online, leading to relentless bullying and harassment both online and offline. Amanda changed schools’ multiple times, but the bullying persisted through social media platforms.
Amanda Todd faced severe mental health challenges as a result of the ongoing harassment. She struggled with anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Her distress was exacerbated by the continuous online and offline bullying.
In 2012, Amanda Todd posted a poignant video titled “My Story: Struggling, Bullying, Suicide, Self-harm” on YouTube. In the video, she shared her experiences through a series of handwritten cards. The video went viral, drawing widespread attention to the issue of cyberbullying and the impact on mental health. Despite reaching out for help and support, Amanda Todd tragically took her own life on October 10, 2012, at the age of 15. Her death sparked a renewed conversation
about the devastating effects of cyberbullying and the need for stronger measures to address online harassment.
Amanda Todd’s case is an example of sextortion?
Definitely Yes, the Amanda Todd case is indeed an example of sextortion. Sextortion involves the coercion of individuals, often through the threat of exposing explicit or intimate content, and Amanda Todd’s experience aligns with this definition. Here are the key elements of sextortion present in Amanda Todd’s case:
Exploitation and Coercion: Amanda Todd was coerced into exposing her breasts during a video chat with an anonymous stranger. The perpetrator exploited her vulnerability and used the explicit content as a means of coercion.
Capture and Threats: The perpetrator captured images of the explicit content and subsequently threatened to share those images if Amanda did not comply with their demands. This threat formed the basis of the sextortion.
Ongoing Harassment: The explicit images were used for ongoing harassment. They were circulated online, leading to relentless cyberbullying, social isolation, and emotional distress for Amanda.
Impact on Mental Health: The sustained harassment and the threat of exposure had a profound impact on Amanda Todd’s mental health. She struggled with anxiety, depression, and self-harm, highlighting the severe emotional toll of sextortion.
Public Awareness Video: Amanda Todd created a video titled “My Story: Struggling, Bullying, Suicide, Self-harm,” in which she shared her experiences through a series of handwritten cards. This video not only documented her personal struggle but also brought attention to the consequences of sextortion and cyberbullying.
Tragic Outcome: Sadly, Amanda Todd’s story ended tragically with her taking her own life. Her case serves as a poignant example of the devastating impact that sextortion and online harassment can have on vulnerable individuals.
What we can learn from Amanda Todd’s case?
Amanda Todd’s case serves as a tragic and powerful reminder of the severe consequences of cyberbullying, exploitation, and the need for increased awareness and support. Here are some important lessons and areas of awareness that can be drawn from Amanda Todd’s case:
Impact of Cyberbullying: Amanda Todd’s story highlights the devastating impact that persistent cyberbullying and online harassment can have on an individual’s mental health. It underscores the urgency of addressing and preventing cyberbullying.
Sextortion Awareness: The case sheds light on the issue of sextortion, where individuals are coerced into providing explicit content under the threat of exposure. Awareness about the tactics used in sextortion is crucial for prevention and support.
Vulnerability of Young Individuals: Young individuals, especially minors, are often more vulnerable to online exploitation and bullying. Parents, educators, and guardians need to be aware of the risks and actively engage in educating and protecting young people in the digital age.
Importance of Digital Literacy: Digital literacy is essential for understanding and navigating the online world safely. Education about responsible online behavior, privacy settings, and recognizing potential threats is crucial for individuals of all ages.
Open Communication: Encouraging open communication between parents, guardians, and children is vital. Establishing an environment where young people feel comfortable discussing their online experiences can help identify and address issues early on.
Mental Health Support: Amanda Todd’s struggles with mental health emphasize the need for accessible mental health support services, especially for those facing the emotional toll of online harassment. Communities and institutions should work to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health assistance.
Anti-Bullying Initiatives: Amanda Todd’s case has spurred increased advocacy and initiatives against bullying. Schools, communities, and online platforms should actively participate in anti bullying efforts to create a safer environment for everyone.
Responsibility of Social Media Platforms: The case raises questions about the responsibility of social media platforms in addressing cyberbullying and online harassment. Continued efforts are needed to develop and implement effective measures for preventing and responding to harmful online behavior.
Global Collaboration: Cyberbullying and sextortion are global issues that require international collaboration. Governments, law enforcement, and organizations worldwide should work together to address these challenges.
Support for Victims: Victims of cyberbullying and sextortion need strong support systems. Initiatives should focus on providing counseling, legal assistance, and resources to help victims cope with the emotional and psychological impact of online harassment.
Why sextortion education is important in Bangladesh?
Sextortion education is important in Bangladesh due to the increasing prevalence of online threats and the potential harm it can cause to individuals, particularly women’s. On May 25th of 2022, a 20-year-old girl from Sylhet, Bangladesh committed suicide after being blackmailed for money by a young man over some inappropriate images of her. Again, in 2022, 359 women between the ages of 15 and 35 participated in an online survey performed by ActionAid Bangladesh. The study’s findings showed that roughly 63.51% of Bangladeshi women have experienced violence as a result
of using online social media platforms including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and others. In the same survey, roughly 11.79% of participants disclosed that their personal images were made public on the internet without their permission; 2.62% claimed they were threatened with financial extortion in exchange for not posting their private images on social media; and 1.75% said their images were posted on pornographic websites. Even though these women were victims of online abuse, about 85% of participants mentioned they never took any steps against it and preferred to be remain silent. Similar result was found by Police Cyber Support for Women (PCSW). Data from PCSW from November 2020 to August 2022 shows that only 12 percent of female victims filed lawsuits, which means about 88% women victim never took any legal actions against online harassments. Not wanting to inform family, social stigma and victim blame concept are largely responsible for this.
Altogether, cyber sextortion—which uses explicit content as leverage for extortion—is a major and worrisome problem that affects Bangladesh and the rest of the world. Amanda’s story prompted increased awareness about the dangers of online harassment as well as sextortion and the importance of educating young people about responsible internet use. Bangladesh has a large youth population, and young people are often more vulnerable to online exploitation and harassment. Education about sextortion is essential to empower them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the online world safely. Many individuals may not be fully aware of the risks associated with online activities, such as sharing explicit content or engaging in online conversations. Education can help raise awareness about potential dangers and how to avoid them. Awareness programs can help dispel myths and misconceptions about sextortion, reducing the likelihood of victim-blaming. People need to understand that the responsibility lies with the perpetrators, not the victims.
References:
O’Malley, R. L. (2023). Short-Term and Long-Term Impacts of Financial Sextortion on Victim’s Mental Well-Being. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 38(13-14), 8563- 8592. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605231156416
https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/6fd5i4uux7
https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/299185/study-63.51%25-of-women-in-bangladesh face-online
https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/275237/one-held-over-suicide-of-blackmailed college
About the writer:
Naila Sohrat Tasbiha and completed her second Master’s degree in Criminology from Ontario Tech University, Canada. Currently she is working as a Lecturer, Dept. of Law, at a Private university in Bangladesh.