The affective labor of public facing work – an investigation of researchers’ experience and handling of digital harassment

The affective labor of public facing work – an investigation of researchers’ experience and handling of digital harassment

“We will not forget you when the reckoning comes. Everyone will get what they deserve”. This statement is just one example among many instances of digital harassment received by Danish virologists who shared their expertise to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, digital harassment of researchers is a growing trend, that discourages a wide range of researchers from communicating their knowledge to the public through different media. 

Based on 28 interviews with a diverse group of Danish researchers, I examine the underlying reasons why academics are increasingly subjected to digital harassment, how and when they affectively experience digital harassment, and – crucially – how they manage and are supported in managing these hostile digital encounters.

I look forward to presenting my findings and engaging in a dialogue on possible strategies and structural initiatives that can support researchers in navigating a changing and often challenging media environment.