Lev-On, A. (2025). The complexities of trial by social media: Examining the connection between exposure and harassment. In: Gies, L. (Ed.) Trial by Media: Participatory Justice in the Digital Media Age, 103-133. Palgrave Studies in Crime, Media and Culture. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-80593-6_5
The widespread use of online social media has led to increased online harassment. This article examines the dynamics of online harassment, focusing on the creation of a “hierarchy of defamation”. It centers on the case of Roman Zadorov, initially convicted then acquitted in a 2023 retrial for the murder of Tair Rada in Israel. This study is part of a broader investigation into the Zadorov affair and social media campaigns advocating for his justice, notable for their extensive reach, reliance on primary sources, and impact. The research highlights the defamation suffered by teenagers falsely linked to the murder case. It outlines a hierarchy of defamation: (1) Individuals who voluntarily expose themselves to media attention face the most significant defamation. (2) Those who post content perceived as suspicious by activists on social media are next. (3) People whose names appear in legal materials but lack a visual presence experience milder harassment. (4) Those with concealed identities due to publication bans or investigative errors face the lowest level of harassment. Understanding this hierarchy sheds light on the dynamics of obstruction of justice campaigns and their impact on individuals’ lives.