Technology-enabled abuse is causing damage that extends far beyond smartphones and social media, with a new Kaspersky study finding that four in five people in the Asia-Pacific region associate digital abuse with serious psychological and social consequences.
The research, based on responses from 7,600 people across 19 countries, suggests that while public awareness of the emotional toll of online abuse is growing, many people still underestimate its wider effects on careers, education and personal safety.
According to the report, 80% of respondents in Asia-Pacific identified psychological impacts such as trauma, depression and long-term stress as likely outcomes of technology-facilitated abuse. A similar proportion recognized social consequences, including damaged relationships, isolation and reputational harm.
However, awareness declined sharply when respondents were asked about other forms of harm. Only 59% believed digital abuse could result in financial consequences, while just 53% associated it with physical danger, despite evidence that online harassment and stalking can escalate into offline violence.
The findings highlight what cybersecurity experts describe as a growing disconnect between how digital abuse is perceived and how it affects victims in real life.
Among respondents in Asia-Pacific who had experienced technology-facilitated abuse, 55% said the experience made them more cautious online, while one in four reduced their digital presence altogether. Nearly one in five limited communication with friends or family, and 12% said the abuse contributed to the end of a relationship.
The consequences extended beyond personal relationships. Four percent reported losing or leaving their jobs, while three percent said they had dropped out of school.
Cybersecurity researchers say these findings reinforce the idea that technology-facilitated abuse should no longer be viewed solely as an online issue.
“People recognise the emotional pain of digital abuse but still underestimate how far its consequences can reach into careers, education and real-world relationships,” said Tatyana Shishkova, Lead Security Researcher at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT).
She added that one of the most concerning findings was the lack of action taken by victims.
“When victims don’t act, it’s often not because they don’t care, but because they simply don’t know where to turn.”
The report found that 13% of victims in Asia-Pacific took no action after experiencing digital abuse. Witnesses were also hesitant to intervene, with nine percent choosing not to respond after observing abuse involving someone they knew.
Globally, uncertainty rather than indifference appeared to be the biggest barrier to intervention. Nearly one-third of respondents who witnessed abuse said they did not know how to help, while almost one-quarter were unsure whether stepping in was appropriate.
Researchers believe this hesitation reflects a broader challenge facing digital safety initiatives. While awareness campaigns have helped people recognize cyberbullying, online harassment and cyberstalking, understanding of available support services has not kept pace.
Dr. Leonie Maria Tanczer, Associate Professor at UCL Computer Science and Head of the Gender and Tech Research Lab, said technology-facilitated abuse often remains underreported because many people struggle to identify abusive digital behavior or dismiss it as part of everyday online life.
She said previous research into cyberstalking found that online stalking is frequently viewed as less serious than physical stalking, despite producing many of the same emotional and psychological effects.
For Kaspersky, the findings underscore the need for stronger collaboration between governments, technology companies, online platforms and the public to improve awareness and access to support.
The cybersecurity company recommends that users strengthen account security through measures such as unique passwords and two-factor authentication, regularly review privacy settings, remain alert for signs of unauthorized monitoring, and seek help early if abusive behavior is suspected.
As digital interactions continue to play an increasingly central role in daily life, researchers say the challenge is no longer simply protecting devices, but protecting the people who use them.
