In the Brazilian digital realm, social media platforms serve as battlegrounds for intense discussions, often leading to toxic environments, particularly for women. Women excelling in politics, science, and culture face online harassment, attacks, and a barrage of negative comments that reinforce gender stereotypes.
Persistent insults, even seemingly minor, create a hostile atmosphere that can result in silencing important voices in political discourse and opinion sharing. Without change, institutional politics risks losing valuable female talents.
Monitoring Gender-Based Political Violence
In 2020, the AzMina Institute, InternetLab, and Núcleo Jornalismo introduced MonitorA, an observatory for digital gender-based political violence. The initiative aimed to analyze data from major platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. This project facilitated communication with tech giants’ legal representatives to enhance online safety for all communities.
Behind Closed Doors
The observatory’s insights helped female victims comprehend online political violence dynamics, aiding them in defending themselves in public debates and legal battles. However, recent developments, including platform closures and legal constraints, hinder the analysis of online toxicity, impeding effective policy implementation.
Opacity Scenario
The lack of data transparency and accessibility impedes the combat against digital toxicity, perpetuating an unsafe space that silences women and marginalized communities. Urgent regulations, collaboration among stakeholders, and media education are imperative to foster a digital space promoting equality and respect.
Urgent Need for Regulation
Civil society, organizations, and governmental bodies must unite to address online toxicity, while platforms should prioritize creating a safe digital environment. Robust public governance policies and inclusive discussions are key to fostering an online sphere where every voice, regardless of gender, can freely and securely express themselves.
Bárbara Libório, Content Director, and Ana Carolina Araújo, Head of Journalism and Data Projects at AzMina, authored this piece.
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