Discussion Paper 2504, "Context and the Perception of Harm: Evidence from Online and In-Person Sexual Harassment", by Alessandra Foresta, Valentina Tonei, and Martina Vecchi
We provide causal evidence that the context in which harmful conduct occurs shapes how it is evaluated. We study this using a vignette-based survey experiment that holds behaviour constant while randomising whether an incident of sexual harassment occurs online or in person. Online settings generate a systematic discount in perceived seriousness (7% of the mean), with larger effects on willingness to report (13% of the mean) and preferred sanctions. The discount is concentrated in image-based harassment and larger among male respondent.
Keywords: sexual harassment, misperceptions, perceived harm, social norms, digital environments.
JEL Classification: D83, J16, C93, K42, D91.