Ethics of Doxxing and Cyberbullying in Dermatology

Abstract

Doxxing, a type of cyberbullying, occurs when an individual's personal information is shared without consent and with malintent. Doxxing can be seen as a form of vigilantism, a way to hold others accountable for actions or opinions. Unfortunately, this form of justice may have a catastrophic impact on the victim, especially a physician. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where physicians and healthcare providers strongly led public health advocacy efforts on social media, the frequency of doxxing and cyberbullying appears to have increased. This behavior is especially taxing on an individual's mental health, with strong negative implications on social, personal, and professional life. We discuss the ethical considerations of doxxing and avenues to protect physicians better.