In Conversation: Prof. Maura McAdam Discusses Her Research on the Impact of Online Harassment on Digital Entrepreneurs

This summer, Prof. Maura McAdam, a leading academic at DCU Business School, conducted a significant research project exploring the challenges digital entrepreneurs face in the age of social media. We sat down with her to discuss the key findings, motivations, and potential implications of her research.

Prof. McAdam, can you tell us what was the primary focus of your research this summer?

The central focus of my research was the impact of online harassment on digital entrepreneurs and their businesses. As social media has grown, so too has online harassment, which has become an unfortunate reality in the entrepreneurial landscape. Many digital entrepreneurs are bound by a “visibility mandate,” meaning they must maintain a public online presence to grow their brands. However, this visibility often exposes them to various forms of harassment, ranging from name-calling and cyberstalking to doxing. The consequences can be severe, extending well beyond the digital realm and affecting their economic stability and professional standing.

That sounds like a pressing issue. What were the main objectives of your study?

Our aim was to categorise the different types of negative online interactions that digital entrepreneurs encounter and to see how these differ from offline experiences. We wanted to explore how online harassment affects their decision-making and business strategies, and whether it leads to economic repercussions. Additionally, we sought to understand how entrepreneurs cope with these challenges and to develop a theoretical framework that reflects the evolving technological landscape. Ultimately, we hope this research will lead to more evidence-based guidance and support systems for entrepreneurs navigating these harmful online interactions.

What motivated you to focus on this particular area of research?

The motivation stemmed from a noticeable gap in both academic and practical knowledge. Entrepreneurs are under increasing pressure to stay visible online to build and sustain their brands, and that visibility often comes at a cost. Online harassment can take a heavy toll, not only psychologically but also physically and economically. Yet, there’s very little support available to help them cope with these challenges. We felt it was important to push for stricter moderation policies on social media platforms to provide better protection for entrepreneurs and their ventures.

Collaboration is a key element of research. Who were your partners in this study?

I was fortunate to collaborate with Georgia Fenlon, an IRC PhD Scholar at DCU, and Prof. Richard Harrison from Edinburgh University. Their expertise and input were invaluable throughout the project, particularly in helping us conduct interviews and analyse the data.

Can you walk us through how the research evolved over the summer?

The project progressed significantly over the summer. We conducted interviews with 20 digital entrepreneurs—both male and female—and completed the initial coding of their responses. From there, we began exploring different theoretical lenses to interpret the data. Concepts like epistemic violence and Bourdieu’s symbolic violence came to the forefront, offering us a more nuanced understanding of the entrepreneurs’ experiences. It’s been fascinating to see how these theoretical frameworks can shed light on the deeper societal dynamics at play.

Were there any key findings from your research that stood out?

Absolutely. One finding that surprised us was how many entrepreneurs, particularly women, felt that online harassment simply “came with the territory.” They saw it as an unfortunate by-product of having an online presence and were often resigned to the idea that they had no right to complain. Another significant takeaway was the range of coping strategies entrepreneurs employed, from active confrontation—like seeking legal support or provoking engagement—to more passive measures, such as constant monitoring or reducing their visibility online.

What also stood out was the way many entrepreneurs felt a strong sense of responsibility to protect their employees and customers from online harassment, sometimes even more so than protecting themselves. And we observed that the more visible an entrepreneur was online, the more harassment they faced—a phenomenon we referred to as the “poison chalice” of visibility.

What practical applications or policy implications do you see arising from this research?

The findings clearly point to the need for stricter moderation policies on social media platforms. Entrepreneurs deserve a safer digital environment where they can grow their businesses without being subject to harassment. Our research advocates for better support systems and protection strategies to help people navigate the challenges of online visibility, and we hope it will lead to concrete policy changes in this area.

Has this research changed your perspective or offered any new insights?

One of the key insights from this research was the burden that entrepreneurs carry in dealing with online harassment. The responsibility largely falls on them to develop individual strategies to counteract abuse, and those who are not necessarily the face of their business still feel a strong duty to protect their stakeholders from negative online interactions. This adds another layer of stress to their already challenging roles, making it clear that more systemic solutions are needed.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you and your research team?

We have some exciting developments in the pipeline. A book chapter is in press for the Research Handbook of Critical Entrepreneurship Studies, which will provide further insights from our research. We’re also preparing two journal articles aimed at high-impact academic journals. On top of that, we’re developing a social media dissemination strategy to ensure that our findings reach the entrepreneurs and policymakers who need them most. We want this research to make a real-world difference.

Want to collaborate with Professor Maura McAdam, click here.