An annual Anti-Defamation League (ADL) survey has found that 56% of Americans experience online hate or harassment in their lifetimes. This rate, the highest since 2020, confirms an upward trend.

According to an ADL press release, over the last 12 months, some 34% of Jewish adults who were harassed online report being targeted due to their religion and 63% felt less safe than they did last year. The survey also revealed that 41% have altered their online behavior to avoid being identified as Jewish.

The press release further indicates that the most targeted groups with hate and harassment include transgender (63%), LGBTQ+ (49%), and Muslim (47%) adults. In the transgender group, 45% reported severe harassment.

At 50%, the rate at which teens ages 13-17 experience harassment did not change. However, nearly 60% of teens worry that they will be harassed, threatened, or targeted in some other way online.

"The hate we’re seeing online doesn’t stay online—it causes real harm and violence in peoples’ lives. It’s high time everyone stepped up to keep communities and marginalized groups safe from hate and harassment," Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO, stated in the press release. "Despite many promises made by online platforms, hate and harassment are still plaguing the internet. Policymakers and big tech companies must deliver on their commitments to address hate and harassment online."

The top online platforms for harassment include Facebook at 61%; X (formerly Twitter) at 27%; WhatsApp at 25%; and Telegram at 13%.