What constitutes harassment?

Harassment is characterized by behavior that is intended to disturb, annoy, or provoke an individual through repeated communication. This can include unwanted messages, calls, or any other form of persistent communication that creates an uncomfortable or hostile environment for the recipient. The essence of harassment lies in the repetition of these communications and the intention behind them, which is to elicit a reaction or cause distress to the recipient.

In contrast, contact intended to reconcile differences is usually a constructive attempt to resolve issues, and a formal complaint about behavior is a necessary action taken when harassment occurs, often as a step towards resolving the issue legally or professionally. Additionally, discussion in a public forum typically involves open dialogue or debate and may not necessarily include the repetitive element that characterizes harassment. Thus, the hallmark of choice B as the correct answer is its focus on the repeated nature of the communication aimed at provoking a response, which distinguishes it within the context of harassment.