Health Effects on the #MeToo Movement by Gender: Public Health Implications of a Social Movement

Abstract

In October 2017, those who had experienced sexual harassment and assault commanded attention by posting their experiences with the hashtag “#metoo.” This movement built off Tarana Burke’s advocacy efforts beginning in 2007, and these posts were soon ubiquitous, with survivors sharing very personal and painful experiences. The ubiquity of these posts could have various impacts on those who read them, from empowerment to pain. In a recent study, we examine the health impacts of encountering the #metoo movement, particularly examining how outcomes vary based on an individual’s experience with sexual harassment. We find differences by the gender of respondent in both negative and positive health outcomes, depending on the respondent’s experience with sexual harassment. Public health strategies for preventing sexual harassment are discussed.