One in three victims of digital violence also experienced harm in real life, such as severed relationships, quitting a job, or dropping out of school.
Kaspersky said on the 14th that it released a "technology-based digital violence status report" containing the results of a survey of 7,600 adults in 19 countries.
According to the report, 34% of respondents who experienced technology-based digital violence said the harm extended beyond online into everyday life. Eleven percent reduced contact with family or friends, and about 10% ended relationships. Four percent lost their jobs or resigned, and 3% stopped their studies.
Awareness of psychological harm was comparatively high among the damages caused by digital violence. Seventy-nine percent of respondents cited depression, psychological trauma, and long-term stress as major harms. The share recognizing social harms such as reputational damage and social isolation reached 73%. Fifty-five percent perceived the possibility of economic harm, and 51% said it could lead to physical harm.
Most respondents were unable to take immediate action even after being harmed. Twenty-two percent of those who experienced technology-based digital violence said they did nothing. Among baby boomers, this rate rose to 37%.
Passive responses appeared similarly among those who witnessed harm around them. Among respondents who saw someone they knew being harmed, 12% said they took no action. Thirty-two percent said they did not know how to help, and 23% said they were unsure whether it was appropriate for them to intervene.
Lee Hyo-eun, head of Kaspersky Korea, said, "Korea has a hyperconnected digital environment, and as messengers, social platforms, and smart devices become commonplace, invisible digital violence is also increasing," and added, "Kaspersky will work with relevant institutions to raise social awareness of technology-based digital violence and support victims and those around them so they can recognize warning signs early and receive appropriate help."