As more women start logging onto the 'Net, many are learning that the on-line world isn t always a nice place. 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.