Dogpiling (Internet)

"Dogpiling" redirects here. For the type of computing system failure, see cache stampede.

Dogpiling, dog-piling or simply a piling-on is a form of online harassment^[1] or online abuse characterized by having groups of harassers target the same victim. Examples of online abuse include flaming, doxing (online release of personal information without consent), impersonation, and public shaming.^[2][3] Dog-pilers often focus on harassing, exposing, or punishing a target for an opinion that the group does not agree with, or just simply for the sake of being a bully and targeting a victim.^[3] Participants use criticism and/or insults ^[3][4][5] to target a single person.^[6] In some definitions, it also includes sending private messages.^[7]

Online harassment is a common method of dogpiling.

Etymology

The word comes from the dog-pile in American football, in which a person who has the ball is targeted by the entire opposing team who come and jump on him. It became popular with the rise of social networks.

Harmful effects

On the victim

Victims of dogpiling may feel less self-esteem, various emotional reactions, self-harm ideations, and suicidal thoughts. Adolescents, particularly female adolescents, is more likely to be susceptible to these effects from dogpiling.^[8]

See also

• Ad hominem
• Bandwagon effect
• Cyberbullying
• Flaming (Internet)
• Gamergate harassment campaign^[9][10][11]
• Internet troll
• Online shaming