Some interesting survey results and insights from the Amnesty International about why women are more likely to face online abuse than men.
‘In particular, we see women who speak out, activists and politicians who speak out and challenge violence and discrimination against women online are subject to very very high levels of abuse.’
“Black women were disproportionately targeted, being 84% more likely than white women to be mentioned in abusive or problematic tweets.”
“We have built the world’s largest crowdsourced data set about online abuse against women We have the data to back up what women have long been telling us—that Twitter is a place where racism, misogyny & homophobia are allowed to flourish basically unchecked”
“Twitter is also reticent about disclosing detailed information about the number of content moderators it employs, including what kind of coverage they provide across different countries and languages.”
“Twitter acknowledged it needs to do more. However, the company said its combination of human moderation and use of technology, allows it to take a more proactive response to online abuse.”
My own take: I have learnt not to care about online abuse which does not only come from men, but also women. All the tropes have been used, once, death threats, threats of violence. I block or I’ll take you on & it doesn’t deter me from expressing my views.
That being said, when the abuse becomes persistent, is disinformation, threats on my life or to hurt me, racist, misogynistic, I will report it to Twitter. Some accounts have been locked or suspended as a result.
To other women: please do not be silenced. Do not budge. Speak your truth. Twitter is obviously not doing enough to take action against abuse, so block or use the report function. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. But worth it nonetheless.
And the answer when you tell others about online abuse: “just stay off Twitter.” Nah. Why must I get off a platform I enjoy for the meaningful discussions I have with so many? So I must just let harmful disinformation about me slide? Could never be me, shame.
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