Internet Insults: Understanding Libelous Actions
Posted on: 31 August 2019
Social media has created an entirely new opportunity to be insulted and gossiped about. While many who post online enjoy a certain level of anonymity, that doesn't mean they can post whatever they like with impunity. If you have suffered from the devastating effects of online bullying or other bad actions, you may have a personal injury lawsuit on your hands. Read on to find out more about this particular form of defamation.
What is Libel?
There are two manners of harming others using words and both fall under the broader category of defamation. One is through the spoken word and that is known as slander. Slander may be uttered in public or recorded. As long as others hear it, it meets the definition. As far as the written word goes, libel is used to describe harmful writings that may appear in print such as newspapers, brochures, letters, and more. With the advent of the internet, which allows a great deal of information to be decimated to others, libel can now be applied to written words online as well.
What Constitutes Libel?
With so much casual posting and commenting going on online, you may be wondering how a writer crosses the line and is libelous. No matter where the written words appear, the same rules apply:
- The writings must be visible to others. If you receive an email and the writer implies that you are stealing money from your employer, that does not meet the requirements for libel. That is because no one else, without your permission, will necessarily see that information.
- Writers cannot hide behind statements that preface or amend writings to protect themselves from libel. In other words, the terms "I think" or "I believe" do not invalidate the libelous words.
- Most importantly, for written words to be termed libelous, they must be untrue and harmful to the victim.
Online Libel Locations
Every single way you can add information to the internet can be a breeding ground for libel. Unfortunately, the scope of reach when it comes to popular social media sites like Facebook and Twitter means that harmful writings can be read and believed by millions of people in the blink of an eye. Postings on social media sites are just beginning, however. Chat rooms, forums, comments under newspaper articles, and blog posts can all cause harm to others.
Online written words can create havoc for married couples, cause people to be fired from jobs, and permanently damage the reputation of those who don't deserve it. If you have been harmed by online postings, speak to a personal injury lawyer for help. You can be compensated for the damage caused by hurtful online libel.
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