Impacts of sextortion victimization among men: Shattered Assumptions of Long-Term Functioning

• In Event: Technology-Facilitated Victimization: Risks and Long-Term Harms

Abstract

Sextortion, or sexual extortion, represents a growing form of online victimization in which individuals are threatened with the public dissemination of private, intimate videos or images unless they comply with the offender’s demands. Yet, research is limited on its psychological and social consequences—particularly for male victims. This study integrates two complementary investigations: one exploring the immediate impacts and coping mechanisms of men who have experienced sextortion, and another examining its long-term psychological toll. Using data collected from 222 male victims through online surveys and thematic analysis, we assess the characteristics of sextortion offenses, the psychosocial and financial consequences for victims, and the evolving nature of their responses over time. Findings reveal that while some victims experience symptom reduction over time, a significant proportion report lingering anxiety, shame, and hypervigilance, with a subset suffering from persistent emotional distress. In addition, the immediate impacts of the abuse can be understood using a “shattered assumptions” framework.

Authors

• Marlena Bolton, University of South Florida

• Kylie Colavito, University of South Florida

• Roberta Liggett O'Malley, University of South Florida

• Jennifer Ayerza, George Mason University