Reasons why journalists were targeted for online harassment in Canada 2021

According to a survey of Canadian journalists and media workers, more than half of those surveyed reported being targeted for online harassment. The main reason, that was given by 77 percent of those who reported online harassment, is the climate around accusations of 'fake news' concerning the media. 72 percent stated it was the media organization for which they work, while 64 percent mentioned the way they reported a story. 55 percent mentioned their COVID-19 position or position on vaccination. 27 percent mentioned their political position or ideology. In terms of personal attributes, 17 percent mentioned gender identity, 13 percent their ethnic or cultural background, 11 percent their age, eight percent their age or sexual identity, and four percent mentioned their religious background.