07/14/2026
Technology-facilitated abuse, also known as TFA,
includes online abuse and harassment. It is the use of
tech to bully, harass, stalk, intimidate, or control. This behavior is often a form of verbal or emotional abuse conducted online or through apps. This type of abuse is increasing and not just for young people — as tech becomes a bigger part of
our lives, those who cause harm use it to further
control and harm their victims.
This survey was conducted July 14th through August 18th, 2025, on The Hotline and LoveIsRespect websites. The survey was anonymous, and sharing demographic info was
optional. In total, 3,430 people completed the survey
and 100% reported at least one form of tech-facilitated abuse.
This report is a summary of the key findings and takeaways of the 2025 survey, drawing
comparisons, where relevant, to the 2022 prior survey.
»Social media became the most common setting where digital abuse took place (was reported 2nd in 2022), followed by texting and messaging platforms.
» Of those who sought help, 71% turned to friends and family, compared to
50% in 2022.
TFA is common and causes real harm both online and in real life. Those experiencing it need validation, support and recourse for how to stop the abuse and heal. This support includes the tech companies themselves providing survivor-centered options like trauma-informed reporting mechanisms for the abuse, having nonconsensual intimate images (NCII) removed swiftly from platforms, and preventing/ stopping tracking through apps.
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