Buzzell got an education the hard way. Her case was extreme, but many women using the Internet for communication report more subtle forms of harassment. It can include unwanted e-mail, private or public messages in chat rooms , disturbing messages in Usenet newsgroups or on Web bulletin boards or communications about them to third parties. The Internet s unique characteristics provide a fertile atmosphere for harassers. People can remain anonymous on-line and assume any personality they choose.
Communication is mostly one-dimensional, using only words.
There is usually no body language to provide visual clues, and that can promote misunderstandings. There are seldom repercussions for on-line misbehavior or flaming . And women are outnumbered. Although the number is growing, women are still a minority on-line at 42 percent, according to a recent Nielsen survey.