Internet Mob

Similar to a digital mob, but broader: any online collective that uses mass participation to harass, intimidate, or silence a target. Internet mobs can form on forums (Reddit, 4chan), social media platforms (Twitter, TikTok), messaging apps (Telegram, Discord), or across multiple sites. They often employ raids, brigading, false reporting, and coordinated shaming. Unlike a digital mob that may form spontaneously around a viral post, an internet mob can be organized by dedicated communities with shared ideologies or grievances. It is a distributed, often leaderless, but highly effective tool for online aggression.

Example: “The internet mob coordinated across three platforms: Reddit for planning, Twitter for public shaming, and Discord for sharing the target’s personal info.”

Internet Mob by Abzugal April 3, 2026

Internet Mob Effect

The consequences for a person targeted by an internet mob: acute psychological distress, social isolation, loss of employment, doxxing, physical threats, and sometimes suicide. The effect is often more severe than a digital mob because internet mobs can persist for months or years, following a target across platforms. Even after the initial outrage fades, archived posts and screenshots remain, ready to be resurrected. The internet mob effect also impacts communities, as members learn to police each other’s speech to avoid attracting mob attention.

Example: “Two years after the internet mob first attacked her, she still changed usernames monthly and avoided any public profile. The internet mob effect had made her a ghost.”

Internet Mob Effect by Abzugal April 3, 2026

Internet Pitchfork Mob 

The internet version of a torch and pitchfork mob. A group of angry people raging about a problem that rapidly gains supporters, taking over topics, comment sections and product reviews with rage posts. Tramples anyone who doesn't agree mercilessly.

Commonly occurs in response to controversial topics or unpopular actions by corporations and/or the government.

The game's been broken for two days and there's an Internet Pitchfork Mob on the forums and in the amazon reviews!

Internet Pitchfork Mob by Laharl25 March 11, 2013

internetmotherdatabase 

your mom gives too much information in a post on social media

Tfw your mom be like IMBD (internetmotherdatabase) on a post.

internetmotherdatabase by NIDK February 2, 2017