Blackmail on social media: what do we know and what remains unknown?

Abstract

Increasing numbers of people fall victim to blackmail on social media. Yet, there has been little attempt to synthesise research on this topic. This study seeks to address this gap by investigating what is currently known about blackmail and the disclosure of sensitive information on social media. Two rapid reviews were conducted and based on their findings those who disclose more information, are younger, female and willing to use social media to create and distribute images are more likely to fall victim to blackmail on social media. However, worry about privacy and the possibility of becoming a victim of blackmail did not necessarily prevent the disclosure of sensitive information on social media.The implications of these findings for interventions and future research are discussed.

Exploring Definition of Cyberbullying and its Forms From the Perspective of Adolescents Living in Pakistan

“…The person had to pay a lot of money to get it back. Social media blackmailing is prevalent in females, younger people, and those who use social media to share photos (Al Habsi et al, 2021). Blackmailing is experienced differently by Pakistani girls and boys.…”

Blackmail and the self-disclosure of sensitive information on social media: prevalence, victim characteristics and reporting behaviours amongst Omani WhatsApp users

“…Yet such self-disclosures on SM can create vulnerabilities for blackmail (Nurse 2018 ). While a substantial body of work exists on blackmail, less is known about its occurrence on SM (Al Habsi et al 2021 ). This is despite the substantial increase in cybercrime and SM related cybercrime, as well as the growing number of people reporting becoming a victim of SM blackmail internationally (Powell et al 2020 ; Interpol 2020 ).…”

“…sextortion) (Patchin and Hinduja 2020 ). Accordingly, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the prevalence of SM blackmail and the characteristics and attitudes of those who experience it (Al Habsi et al 2021 ). This gap hinders the creation of evidence-based policies, practices and interventions.…”

“…Yet despite these far ranging consequences, few studies have investigated the prevalence of blackmail on WhatsApp or the challenges involved in investigating and prosecuting this behaviour. Indeed, some argue there has been insufficient research conducted on WhatsApp, with most studies focusing on other types of SM applications (Maíz-Arévalo 2018 ; Al Habsi et al 2021 ).…”