Our society could not progress without advances in different fields, particularly technology. With the seeming proliferation of social media, it is now simpler than ever to try to effect desired change in the world or simply make your voice heard. In today's digital world, social media has had a significant impact on every individual. It has raised awareness about various issues, sparked conversations, brought to light unheard stories, inspired revolutionary movements, and altered millions of lives. As a result, it has proven to be an effective tool for lobbying policymakers and influencing change.
Considering how under or misrepresented women are in the media, online social media platforms provide a great opportunity for them to share first-hand experiences and narratives, as well as individual perspectives on various policies and decisions, such as the recent Roe v. Wade court ruling. Sites like Instagram and Twitter provide people with a platform to initiate conversations, engage in and exchange resources, and voice their opinions. This advancement has resulted in the emergence of global digital campaigns such as the #MeToo movement, where notable celebrities like Alyssa Milano shared their experiences to demonstrate the prevalence of sexual harassment. As a result, many women have stepped forward, either cautiously or overtly, to share their own personal anecdotes of struggle.
To comprehend the impact of social media on feminist discourse, one must first become acquainted with the concept of cyber activism. Cyberactivism, also known as internet or digital activism, is the process of creating, operating, and managing activism through the use of online socialization and communication mechanisms. It enables individuals or any organization to make use of social networks and other internet technologies to connect and attract followers, disseminate messages, and advance a cause or movement.
The global discourse around the #MeToo movement did more than merely make noise; it also resulted in the formation of Time's Up, a non-profit organization that advocated for and supported victims of workplace sexual harassment and discrimination. The foundation had generated $24 million in donations as of January 2020. Another example of how social media amplified voices would be the horrifying 2012 Nirbhaya case of gang rape and the subsequent murder of a young student; the hashtag #DelhiGangRape highlighted gender-based crime in India. The online campaign sparked mass street mobilization, prompting the government to include specific anti-rape measures in the Criminal Code. The use of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and others, which enabled individuals from all over the world to vent their dissatisfaction and have their voices heard, has been heavily attributed to the success of this protest.
However, just as life isn't always sunshine and rainbows and has its rough patches, so does social media in its impact on feminism. One such difficulty is cyberbullying, which can include violent threats and is exacerbated by bots and trolls. These threats and negative comments that exceed the threshold of harassment can make individuals worry about their personal safety and deter them from standing up for their opinions and becoming activists. Trolls and specific groups of people exist to monitor specific hashtags related to feminism and women's rights, making harsh, sexist responses on such sites, exacerbating the problem.
Digital campaigns and initiatives have moved societal divisions into the online realm. It is like a coin; on one side, it has had a beneficial impact, bringing together several women from across the world and forming a vast feminist community. On the contrary, it has become a breeding ground for anti-feminist hate speech and constant bullying. Notwithstanding the resentment and misinformation, digital activism has used the medium to not only convey a message of indignation and irritation but also to empower and assemble a powerful revolutionary movement, inspiring numerous women to march on the streets and defend their rights in the face of violence, harassment, and sexual assault.
Social media networks have the potential to develop even more through improving access to technology and boosting the representation of women in media. Numerous women are hindered by factors such as illiteracy, communication barriers, and the digital divide that separates rural and urban areas. Women face increased criticism and harassment on online platforms around the world; unfavorable stereotypes, gender roles, and a lack of presence in both traditional and digital organizations help restrict women's online voices. By strengthening female leadership in media groups, campaigning may actually impact both decision-making processes and public understanding of essential women's rights problems.
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This article is authored by Ishita who is currently pursuing B.A. English Honours 3rd Year from Daulat Ram College Delhi University.
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