they do not belong in powerful public spheres.

When asked about the most posting again.
34 respondents said they
significant impact of these
felt unsafe.
behaviours,
27 of the impact
journalists
said behaviours,
When asked about the most significant
of these
they reduced their online
17 respondents said they
 19 of the respondents said it made them think twice
about posting again.
19 of the respondents said presence.
experienced mental health
 them
27 ofthink
the twice
journalists
presence.
it made
about said they reduced their online
problems
or emotional harm.




34 respondents said they felt unsafe.
17 respondents said they experienced mental health problems or emotional
harm.

IMPACT OF ONLINE ATTACKS
Online attacks have real-life impacts affecting the mental health and productivity of
even the most experienced veteran journalists.
As world renowned South African journalist and newspaper editor Ferial Haffajee
once explained:
“Every morning, I pick up my phone and check WhatsApp messages. Then, I open
my Twitter feed. “Bitch!” reads a response to something I’ve posted or written or
reported. I block. “Cunt,” reads another. Block. “Racist, go back home,” says another.
Online abuse has become so commonplace that taking it in and blocking is part of
the daily routine now.” (Source)
This is in line with the Article 19 and African Media Women in Kenya Digital Security
2016 report which explains how:
23

Select target paragraph3