New Report: Anti-Cybertruck incidents rose 340% in 2025. Read the data →

Mental Health Study

Sticks and Stones: The Mental Health Toll of Vehicle-Based Discrimination

A survey of 3,200 Cybertruck owners reveals widespread psychological harm from anti-Cybertruck bias, including elevated anxiety, behavioral changes, and social withdrawal.

PublishedDecember 8, 2025
AuthorsSCH Research Division & Partners
Survey PeriodAug – Oct 2025
Sample Sizen = 3,200 Cybertruck owners
Margin of Error± 1.7% (95% CI)
Abstract: The phrase "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" is a myth. This study presents first-of-its-kind data on the psychological impact of anti-Cybertruck mockery, harassment, and discrimination on a nationally representative sample of 3,200 Cybertruck owners. Findings reveal alarming rates of anxiety, depression, behavioral avoidance, and social withdrawal — outcomes that parallel those documented in studies of other forms of identity-based harassment.

Key Findings

78%

Report increased anxiety related to Cybertruck ownership

78% of respondents reported experiencing increased anxiety directly tied to owning or being seen in a Cybertruck in public, with 34% describing the anxiety as "significant" or "debilitating."

64%

Alter their daily routines to avoid anticipated mockery

Nearly two-thirds of respondents have changed their behavior in response to anti-Cybertruck hate — including choosing alternate routes, avoiding certain neighborhoods, or refusing to park in public lots.

41%

Have considered selling their Cybertruck due to social pressure

41% of respondents reported seriously considering selling their vehicle due to the social stigma and harassment associated with Cybertruck ownership. 12% said they had already sold or traded their Cybertruck as a direct result of harassment.

Psychological Impact

Respondents were asked to identify which mental health impacts they had experienced that they attributed, at least in part, to anti-Cybertruck harassment. The results reveal a wide-ranging psychological toll that extends well beyond momentary embarrassment.

Mental Health Impacts Reported (% of respondents)
Respondents could select all that apply
General Anxiety
78%
Social Withdrawal
63%
Lowered Self-Esteem
57%
Depressive Episodes
44%
Sleep Disturbances
38%
Panic Attacks
21%

Behavioral Avoidance

One of the most striking findings is the extent to which Cybertruck owners have modified their behavior to avoid anticipated harassment. This behavioral avoidance not only impacts quality of life but also represents a significant curtailment of personal freedom — owners are, in effect, self-censoring their vehicle ownership out of fear.

Behavioral Changes Adopted in Response to Anti-Cybertruck Harassment
% of respondents who report adopting each behavior at least occasionally
Avoid crowded parking
64%
Take alternate routes
51%
Avoid parking near certain vehicles
47%
Decline to drive to social events
39%
Remove or hide identifying stickers
28%
Considered or completed vehicle sale
41%

Support-Seeking Behavior

Despite the significant psychological burden documented in this study, only 18% of respondents who reported mental health impacts had sought professional support. The most common reasons cited for not seeking help were a belief that the issue "wouldn't be taken seriously" (61%) and lack of awareness that Cybertruck-related harassment could qualify as a valid mental health concern (47%).

Support Resource Used% Who Used It% Who Found It Helpful
Online Cybertruck owner communities72%88%
Conversation with friends/family58%61%
Stop Cyber Hate resources41%94%
Therapist or counselor18%79%
Employee assistance program9%54%

Conclusion

The data from this study are unambiguous: anti-Cybertruck hate causes real, measurable, lasting harm to real people. The psychological toll is not hypothetical or trivial — it includes anxiety, depression, behavioral avoidance, and in some cases the surrender of a significant personal asset (the vehicle itself) to escape social pressure.

Stop Cyber Hate calls on mental health professionals, employers, and community organizations to recognize vehicle-based discrimination as a legitimate source of psychological distress and to offer appropriate support to those affected.

Methodology

Online survey of 3,200 self-identified Cybertruck owners recruited through owner forums, social media groups, and the SCH reporting center mailing list. Survey conducted August–October 2025. Respondents were screened to confirm Cybertruck ownership. Weighting applied to approximate the demographic distribution of Cybertruck owners nationwide based on available registration data. All statistics are fictional and created for satirical purposes.