Qunning

Qunning refers to a form of online harassment where individuals or groups target a single person, often a woman, with coordinated and relentless abuse. The term originates from the word "queen," reflecting how victims are often singled out for their perceived status, appearance, or online presence. This behavior typically occurs on social media platforms, forums, or gaming communities, where attackers use tactics such as doxxing (revealing personal information), harassment, and the spread of false or damaging content.

Qunning often involves the use of bots or multiple accounts to amplify the scale of abuse, making it difficult for platforms to moderate effectively. Victims may experience emotional distress, fear, or even physical harm due to the public nature of the attacks. The phenomenon has gained attention in recent years as social media has become a primary space for both positive engagement and toxic behavior.

While quunning can affect anyone, it disproportionately targets women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups. Online communities have developed strategies to mitigate quunning, such as reporting abusive accounts, using privacy settings, and fostering supportive environments. Platforms have also introduced tools like automated filters and AI-driven moderation to detect and address coordinated harassment. However, the challenge remains in balancing free expression with the need to protect users from targeted abuse.