Harassment on social media is real. We’ve seen how trolls and bullies use social media to attack other users, such as insulting them, posting their personal details, creating embarrassing memes, and so on. However in what could be the first of its kind, it seems that a Twitter troll has managed to physically harm another user through Twitter.
How did this happen, you ask? As you might know, rapidly flashing images/lights can provoke a seizure in people, especially if you’re someone who is epileptic. This seems to be something that Twitter user @jew_goldstein knew when he/she posted an flashing GIF directed at Vanity Fair and Newsweek writer Kurt Eichenwald, which reportedly caused a seizure.
In response to the attack, Eichenwald’s wife posted on his account on his behalf which read, “@jew_goldstein This is his wife, you caused a seizure. I have your information and have called the police to report the assault.” Eichenwald later followed up with a lengthy series of tweets detailing his experience and his stand on the matter.
Twitter user @jew_goldstein’s account has since been suspended, but thanks to the folks at Mediaite, they managed to grab a screenshot of the alleged post. It is unclear how this will turn out and whether or not Eichenwald has a case against the user, but for now this is rather disturbing.