Cyberviolence is Gendered and Systemic
A trip down memory lane: It’s 2011 and you hear a song playing about Friday and having “fun, fun, fun” over the weekend (you know which one we’re talking about…).
Beyond the catchy nature of the song ‘Friday,’ began an era of meme culture and “trolling,” where young women, girls, and gender diverse folks like Rebecca Black became the punch line for online harassment. In her essay titled "What I Learned from Being a Target of Internet Hate at Age 13," she wrote: “The fact that there was a human, a person — a 13-year-old girl — on the other side of the screen seemingly escaped so many people’s attention."
This experience is one of the many that showcase how cyberviolence disproportionately targets folks from underrepresented groups and online violence is more prominent at the intersection of gender and youth. From playful teasing to abusive comments and death threats, Rebecca Black was the target of online hate that showcased the negative attention these folks are violently exposed to within digital spaces.
As a feminist communications firm, we recognize that online hate and cyberviolence have materialized as extensions of gender-based violence. This applies directly to our social justice and digital organizing work, and is an issue that activists face on a daily basis. This week we’re providing resources and tools for folks who have experienced online harassment or are worried that they will in the future.
What is Cyberviolence Anyway?
Cyberviolence is defined as online behaviours that assault (criminally or non-criminally) a person’s physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. Cyberviolence is shaped by intersectional parts of our identities and it recognizes that sexism, racism, homophobia, and transphobia can impact the nature of the abuse.
It can include forms of online harassment such as individual threats and abuse to trolling, doxing (publishing private or identifying information online, such as a person’s address or phone number), hate speech, non-consenual sharing of images (also referred to as revenge porn and sexual violence), recording and distribution of sexual assault, cyberstalking, and digital dating abuse.
So you’ve been the target of online abuse, what do you do next?
Experiencing online harassment goes beyond the screen and has real implications on our wellbeing and safety. Being targeted by cyberviolence can be traumatic and can lead to a whole lot of valid emotions — you can feel scared, embarrassed, frustrated. In situations of cyberviolence and online harassment, it’s important to take time for yourself to reset and find the best support available to you.
Reach out to your support network
Talking it out can sometimes be the best medicine, so reach out to your family, a friend, a mentor, or a mental health professional and chat about what you’re going through. Remember that this is your experience, so practicing selective privacy and sharing what you’re most comfortable with is completely valid and your personal choice.
Spend time offline
Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted after experiencing online harassment is normal. The urge to fight back or respond to each individual comment may seem tempting, but you also have the right to feel safe in social spaces and choose to back away if it’s too much to handle. Stop scrolling and take a step away from your screen to breathe and recharge.
Do something you love
Reconnect with yourself and spend time doing the things that ground you and help you feel joy. Turn on your favourite movie, cook a meal, read a book, take a walk outside, meditate or workout -- choose to take care of yourself!
Protect your online space
Once you’re in a better headspace, put aside time to protect yourself in digital spaces. You can choose to confront the harassment you’ve experienced through documenting it (ie. screenshots), reporting and blocking the user or account, and reaching out to organizations that can help you figure out your next steps.
Online harassment can and has led to in person/physical violence. If you are feeling unsafe, here is a list of local organizations working with folks experiencing gender-based violence. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Cyberviolence Resources
Below are some digital resources that will help you protect your online presence and explore how to challenge cyberviolence safely:
Crash Override Network - An online abuse resource center that publishes tools and resources to help people navigate and protect their online life.
Technical Safety Guide - Created by HeartMob and Take Back the Tech!, this guide walks you through immediate steps you can take to feel safer online and make informed decisions.
Speak Up & Stay Safe(r) - A guide to protecting yourself from online harassment, specifically designed for women, people of colour, trans and genderqueer people, and anyone whose existing oppressions are made worse by digital violence.