Specific law applies to journalists, under the US First Amendment which guarantees freedom of the press. The rules established by the US Supreme Court in NY Times v Sullivan (1964) apply different standards based on whether the subject is a public figure. For example, you can print outright lies about President Biden. You must be very careful regarding a non-public private citizen (not a celebrity, or example).

> Slander and harassment really have very specific definitions.

Yes, I know. I was in a hurry and didn't come up with something better. I'm just pointing out that emotional injuries are well-established. There are plenty more, such as emotional distress in damages.

> Social media mobs ... are rarely, if ever, held to full (or any) consequences.

I think that is, in part, because the legal system hasn't caught up with reality.