Fighting Back Against Online Hate: Insights and Strategies for a Safer Digital World
In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, providing a platform for individuals to express their opinions and beliefs. However, this increased reliance on social media has led to the proliferation of cyber-harassment and hate speech, particularly targeting women and marginalized communities. In this blog, JulieGrace Luwedde and Bonaventure Saturday explore lived experiences and insights shared by experts and advocates on fighting back against online hate and ensuring online safety.
In today’s digital world, the prevalence of cyber harassment and hate speech has become alarming, with harmful and hurtful messages spreading at an alarming rate. It’s disheartening to see how individuals use social media to express their opinions and beliefs, leading to gender-based violence that affects women and marginalized communities. A recent study conducted by UN Women in the Arab States region revealed that 60% of women who use the internet reported experiencing online violence within the past year. A study conducted by Internet Without Borders in West and Central African countries revealed that 45.5% of female users on Facebook and Twitter had experienced some form of gender-based violence while using social media. Similarly, a study conducted by Pollicy Uganda one in three Ugandan women who use the internet experienced gender-based harassment online. This issue calls for the collective efforts of individuals, civil society organizations, and governments to tackle cyber-harassment and hate speech.
The gravity of the situation is undeniable, and it’s high time we take steps towards ensuring online safety. We must recognize the seriousness of online gender-based violence and take concrete steps towards addressing it. Pollicy’s report above on the internet experiences of women in African countries highlights the need for urgent action. This growing concern demands practical solutions from governments, civil society organizations, and individuals alike. It’s essential to put legal measures in place that protect victims, prosecute abusers, and prevent further harm. Let’s delve deeper into this issue and explore effective strategies that can help create a safer and more inclusive digital world.
Recognizing cyber harassment as a form of gender-based violence that infringes on women’s rights is a critical step towards addressing the issue. In response to this growing concern, the annual Social Media Convention 2023 was organized by the Uganda office of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), Pollicy, and the Media Challenge Initiative (MCI) Uganda in partnership with the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC), Pollicy Uganda, KQ Hub Africa, Global shapers community Kampala Hub, Personal Data Protection Office, and 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation (4040). This collaborative effort aims to address the challenges posed by cyber-harassment and hate speech while promoting online safety.
Through this convention, important players from government, civil society, academia, and the media come together to engage in productive discussions on the influence of social media on the state and society. It’s an opportunity to highlight both the challenges and opportunities presented by social media and to explore effective strategies towards a safer and more inclusive digital world.
The impact of cyber harassment on victims is profound, causing psychological torture, stigmatization, and loss of confidence. Therefore, it is imperative to take concrete steps towards preventing and responding to cyber harassment. The convention provides a platform to discuss and explore practical solutions that can help create a safer online environment for all. Join us as we embark on this journey towards a better online community.
For example in setting the tone for the convention, Pollicy organised a Twitter space themed; The Fighting Back Against Online Hate: Strategies for Online Safety and Combating Cyberbullying. It featured a panel of experts and advocates specializing in issues related to cyber-harassment, hate speech, and online safety.
The panel discussion delved into the challenges faced by women in Uganda, with Doreen Nyanjura, the Deputy Lord Mayor for Kampala Capital City, sharing her personal experiences of cyber harassment. She discussed being targeted, intimidated, embarrassed, offended, and blackmailed due to her gender, leading to a loss of confidence and body-shaming. Doreen acknowledged the power of social media as an empowering tool for women in the digital world but stressed the importance of addressing online gender-based violence.
Agather Atuhaire, a Freelance Journalist and Legal Scholar, highlighted the challenges that activists face when occupying digital spaces in Uganda. She pointed out that laws such as the Computer Misuse Act and its recent amendment can be double-edged swords, protecting activists from harassment while restricting freedom of speech. Therefore, governments must implement practical laws that protect individuals from online abuse, such as prosecuting individuals who post revenge porn or engage in cyberbullying. However, individuals and civil society organizations must also take action to protect themselves. It’s essential to be mindful of personal data online, be selective with the information shared with strangers, and remember that you don’t owe anyone any information on the internet.
Tackling cyber harassment and hate speech is an ongoing process that requires the efforts of everyone. It’s not just the responsibility of governments or civil society organizations but individuals as well. We have an individual responsibility to ensure it does not happen and a collective responsibility of protecting and fighting for the victims. As we continue to enjoy the benefits of social media, it’s crucial to keep in mind the dangers that come with it and take necessary measures to ensure a safer and more inclusive digital world.
Written by Bonaventure Saturday, JulieGrace Luwedde and Ibrahim Waiswa Batambuze for Pollicy
