Some 40% of adults have experienced online harassment, according to a study from the US Pew Research Internet Project.
From name-calling to other threats, harassment is a common part of online life for many, its research suggests.
While men are more likely to experience name-calling, women are more vulnerable to sexual harassment and stalking
The report comes amid a rise in social media abuse aimed at women in the games industry.
The report found that 73% of American adult internet users had witnessed online harassment - from being called offensive names to witnessing someone being stalked online.
It found that young adults - aged 18-29 - are most likely to experience online harassment, with 65% of internet users in this age group claiming to have fallen victim.
The vast majority of harassment took place on social networking sites, according to the research.
