personal reputation Reputation Management

Internet Defamation

6 min read

Dec 19, 2023 10:10:55 AM

Once hailed as a democratizing force for information and expression, the internet has become a fertile breeding ground for a chilling phenomenon: internet defamation.

False and harmful statements published online about individuals or entities can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with shattered reputations, emotional distress, and even financial losses.

This article delves into the complex world of internet defamation, exploring its legal nuances, practical challenges, and effective strategies for navigating this digital minefield.

Understanding the Elements of Defamation:

Before treading this treacherous path, it's crucial to understand the legal pillars of defamation. To prove defamation, one must demonstrate:

Falsity: The statement must be demonstrably false. Opinions and criticisms, however harsh, are generally protected.
Publication: The statement must be communicated to a third party. Private communications, for example, might not qualify.
Harm: The statement must cause actual or potential harm to the victim's reputation, standing, or livelihood.
Fault (depending on jurisdiction): Sometimes, the defamer must have acted intentionally or negligently.

The distinction between libel (written) and slander (spoken) remains relevant online. Written statements, for their permanence and broader reach, are more damaging and more accessible to prove.

Additionally, certain statements are considered "per se" defamatory, meaning they are presumed harmful without requiring proof of specific damages.

Examples include accusations of criminal activity or sexual misconduct.

Defamation vs. Slander vs. Libel

Defamation and slander are legal terms that refer to damaging someone's reputation by making false and harmful statements about them. However, there is a crucial difference between the two:

Defamation: Defamation is the umbrella term that encompasses both libel and slander. It is a false statement that injures someone's reputation and lowers them in the estimation of others.
Slander: Slander is a type of defamation that is spoken. It is an untrue statement about someone spoken aloud, shared through gestures, or communicated in any way that is not written or published.
Libelous: A statement must be false to be libelous. Even harmful but true statements are not considered libel.

Here's a table summarizing the key differences between defamation and slander:

	Defamation	Libel	Slander
Definition	False statement that injures someone's reputation	False statement that is written or published	False statement that is spoken aloud
Example	Someone says on social media that you are a thief.	A newspaper publishes an article that falsely claims you were arrested for drug trafficking.	Someone tells your boss that you are lazy and incompetent.
Difficulty to prove	Generally easier to prove than slander, as there is usually a written record of the statement.	Can be difficult to prove, as there may be no witnesses or other evidence.	"He said/she said" situation

The Landscape of Online Defamation:

The internet presents a unique and challenging landscape for defamation.

Platforms like social media, review sites, forums, and blogs offer fertile ground for disseminating harmful information, often under the cloak of anonymity.

This anonymity emboldens malicious actors and amplifies the virality of defamatory content.

Unlike traditional media, online content can be easily copied, archived, and shared, making it nearly impossible to erase.

A 2017 study by the University of Baltimore found that 60% of victims of online defamation reported experiencing emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.
A 2019 study by the Cyberbullying Research Center found that 40% of victims of online defamation reported losing job opportunities or being passed over for promotions.
A 2020 study by the Pew Research Center found that 73% of Americans believe that social media companies should be held accountable for the content posted on their platforms.

Further complicating the matter are the diverse laws and regulations governing online defamation, with significant variations across jurisdictions.

Countries like the United States and Canada have relatively robust legal frameworks. In contrast, others offer less protection or have different approaches to online content regulation.

Strategies for Dealing with Online Defamation

Online defamation can be incredibly stressful and damaging, so it's essential to understand your options and take appropriate action. Here are some strategies for dealing with online defamation:

Gathering Information and Evidence:

Document the Defamation: Take screenshots of the defamatory content, including URLs, dates, and author usernames. Save copies of emails or messages containing defamatory statements.
Assess the Content's Validity: Is the statement demonstrably false? Does it have a basis in truth or opinion? Understanding the nature of the claim will guide your response.
Evaluate the Impact: Consider how the defamation affects you personally and professionally. Is it causing emotional distress, reputational damage, or financial loss?

Responding to the Defamation:

Ignore it: Sometimes, minor defamation can be the best strategy, especially if it's likely to fade away quickly. Engaging with it could give it more attention.
Respond Publicly: If the defamation is severe and damaging, you may need to respond publicly to address the falsehoods. Do so calmly and professionally, focusing on correcting the record.
Contact the Platform: Report the defamatory content to the platform where it appears. Most platforms have procedures for handling complaints of online abuse and harassment.

Legal Measures:

Send a Cease and Desist Letter: A lawyer can draft a formal letter demanding the removal of the defamatory content. This can be a powerful tool, especially if the platform is reluctant to take action.
Consider Legal Action: In some cases, legal action may be necessary to obtain compensation for damages caused by the defamation. Consult a lawyer specializing in defamation law to explore your options.

Protecting Your Reputation:

Monitor Your Online Presence: Regularly check your online search results and social media and review sites for mentions of your name. This allows you to identify and address potential defamation quickly.
Build Positive Online Content: Create and share positive content about yourself and your work. This can help push harmful content down in search results.
Develop a Crisis Communication Plan: A plan will help you respond effectively to future defamation situations and minimize damage to your reputation.

Real-Life Examples of Internet Defamation

Unfortunately, The internet has made defamation easier than ever, and some high-profile cases have highlighted this complex issue.

Here are a few notable examples with varying outcomes and implications:

1. Coleen Rooney v Rebekah Vardy (2022): "Wagatha Christie"

This British case, dubbed "Wagatha Christie" for its tabloid nature, involved two footballers' wives, Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy, in a dispute over leaked private Instagram posts. Rooney accused Vardy of leaking the posts to a newspaper, leading to a highly publicized trial about truth, malice, and the reach of online gossip. Ultimately, Rooney won the case, highlighting the potential consequences of careless online sharing.

2. Johnny Depp v Amber Heard (2022): Defamation and Domestic Abuse

This American case saw Hollywood actor Johnny Depp sue ex-wife Amber Heard for defamation over an op-ed she wrote describing herself as a victim of domestic abuse. The trial, streamed live and intensely public, focused on the nature of their relationship and the credibility of both parties. The jury found in favor of Depp, awarding him damages, while Heard won on one of her counterclaims against Depp. This case, though controversial, brought meaningful conversations about online defamation and victim blaming to the forefront.

3. Hulk Hogan v Gawker Media (2016): Right to Privacy vs. Freedom of Speech

This American case revolved around a wrestler, Hulk Hogan, suing website Gawker Media for publishing a sex tape containing him. While Gawker argued for freedom of speech and newsworthiness, the court sided with Hogan, finding the publication violated his privacy rights. This case had significant implications for online media, forcing publications to consider privacy concerns more carefully.

4. Jack Monroe v Katie Hopkins (2015): Food Writer vs. Controversial Columnist

This British case pitted food writer Jack Monroe, known for budget-friendly recipes, against journalist Katie Hopkins' columns criticizing Monroe's lifestyle. Monroe successfully sued for defamation, highlighting the harm online negativity can cause, particularly toward individuals or groups facing vulnerabilities.

5. Rachel Riley v Mike Sivier (2022): Countdown Presenter vs. Blogger

In this UK case, mathematician and TV presenter Rachel Riley successfully sued blogger Mike Sivier for harassment and anti-Semitic abuse online. The court's decision emphasized the need for platforms to hold users accountable for harmful content and protect individuals from online hate speech.

These are just a few examples, and the complexities of internet defamation vary greatly depending on jurisdiction, platform specifics, and the nature of the alleged defamation.

Proactive Prevention of Online Defamation

Altogether, preventing online defamation is difficult due to the anonymity and reach of the internet.

However, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk and equip yourself to handle it effectively if it does happen:

Think before you post: This golden rule applies to everything you share online. Consider the potential consequences of your words and images before hitting publish. Ask yourself if it's something you'd be comfortable saying in person.
Maintain a positive online presence: Cultivate a professional and respectful persona on all your online platforms. Engage positively, avoid negativity and controversy, and focus on building a solid reputation.
Privacy settings: Adjust your privacy settings on all your social media accounts and other online platforms to limit who can see your information and posts. This can help prevent personal details from being misused.
Document your online activity: Keep track of your online interactions, including screenshots of potentially harmful content and timestamps of events. This can be valuable evidence if you need to take legal action later.
Be cautious about sharing personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive information like your address, phone number, or financial details online. Be wary of quizzes and surveys that ask for personal information.
Monitor your online reputation: Regularly conduct online searches for your name and key phrases associated with you. This helps you identify potential defamation early and take appropriate action.

Conclusion

The internet can be a breeding ground for defamation. Still, following these tips and staying vigilant can minimize your risk of becoming a victim.

Remember, if you encounter online negativity, don't hesitate to reach out for help from professionals like NewReputation at 855-750-0583. They have the experience and resources to help you protect your reputation and get your life back on track.

Don't let online negativity control your life. Take action and protect your reputation today.