Resolver is excited to announce the next phase in our ongoing partnership with Dr Sören Henrich and Dr Rachel Worthington at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). Building on our initial success, we’re deepening our work to combat online harm by sponsoring two Master’s-level research projects. This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application and will replace the traditional Master’s dissertation with focused, applied research.
Now, talented students and academic experts will be offered direct access to Resolver’s unique insights, enabling them to explore critical challenges in online safety. This initiative aims to enhance proactive intelligence approaches by exploring the “why” behind harmful online behaviors.
Dr Rachel Worthington (Forensic Psychologist and Senior Lecturer) and Dr Sören Henrich (Lecturer) from Manchester Metropolitan University echo this sentiment.
Unlocking the psychology of online harm
These two projects will tackle the critical intersection of forensic psychology and online safety, seeking to understand the motivations and mindsets of individuals who perpetrate online harm. The research will explore questions that are often underreported and poorly understood, such as:
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What are the common behaviors and justifications of online perpetrators? |
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Do perpetrators understand their actions are criminal? |
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How does anonymity impact the severity of harmful acts? |
The research will address the prevalence of harmful online behaviors, including sexual harassment, violent threats, and gender-based hate speech, which remain significantly underreported and poorly understood from a forensic perspective. A key gap in current understanding lies in the psychological mechanisms, levels of empathy, and comprehension of legal implications among online perpetrators, many of whom operate under a perception of anonymity.
This original research will provide meaningful insights, enabling Resolver and the wider Trust & Safety community to build smarter, more proactive detection algorithms and strategies. By understanding these root causes, we can continue to shift from reacting to threats to anticipating and mitigating them before they escalate.
The research undertaken through the Sponsored Master’s Programme will strengthen Resolver’s risk discovery and detection capabilities. The work also directly addresses critical regulatory demands, such as the UK’s Online Safety Act (OSA), which mandates that online services properly assess and mitigate risks. This research will provide a deeper, more nuanced understanding of how harms manifest and why.
Reiterating the importance of this strategic partnership, Henry Adams, Director, Trust & Safety Intelligence at Resolver comments:
Our Director of Human Capability, Gary Curnow, added:
A shared vision for the future
This collaboration is about nurturing the next generation of Trust & Safety professionals. The Master’s program offers a unique opportunity for students to gain invaluable real-world experience, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for a career in this critical field.
This partnership also marks a bold step forward in our shared effort to tackle the complexities of online harm with a unified, global response. It represents an investment in proactive risk intelligence, reinforcing our commitment to building a safer online future for all.
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