Online Hate and How to Deal with It: Empowering Women in the Digital Age
Introduction
In today’s digital era, the internet offers unparalleled opportunities for communication, connection, and empowerment. However, it also presents a dark side—online hate and trolling. Women and girls, in particular, are often the targets of online hate, character assassination, and cyberbullying. We have seen recently how some trolls have been spreading hate against #ManishaRani. Sadly, Manisha has not been the 1st one against whom an organized hate campaign is launched and it is certain that she will not be the last as well. In this article, we delve into the pervasive issue of online hate in India, the impact it has on its victims, and strategies to effectively combat it.
The Online Hate Epidemic
Scope of the Problem
Online hate takes many forms, including sexist remarks, derogatory comments, hate speech, harassment, threats, and even doxxing (revealing private information online). Social media platforms, while connecting people globally, have become breeding grounds for such toxic behavior.
Impact on Women and Girls
Online hate disproportionately affects women and girls more than it affects boys. It can lead to anxiety, depression, reduced self-esteem, and, in severe cases, even suicide. Many women face character assassination, with their reputations tarnished due to false accusations and derogatory and morphed content.
Understanding the Trolls
Motivations of Trolls
Many online trolls spread hate for attention, seeking engagement, and often to earn through social media monetization programs. They hide behind anonymity, emboldened by the perceived lack of consequences. The victims need to understand that it is the trolls and the haters who are at fault, they are not. So, they should not take online trolling to their heart. In most cases, the main agenda of the trolls is to just get reactions so that their engagement and views increase and they can benefit from the social media monetization programs. So, as long as it actually affects your life, you should not provide them the much-needed engagement and views that they desperately crave. If they don’t get reactions then they will automatically shift to another target.
The Role of Anonymity
The cloak of anonymity afforded by fake profiles on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram enables trolls to act without accountability. This anonymity fuels the culture of online hate. Most of the trolls do not have the guts to show their faces, they say big words just because they know their identity is undisclosed. 99% of them if come to meet directly with celebrities like Manisha then they will start asking for a selfie with her.
Strategies to Combat Online Hate
1. Raising Awareness
Educate individuals, especially women and girls, about the risks of online hate and the importance of reporting such incidents. Awareness is the first step toward empowerment. All the girls need to understand that hate has become a part of social media. They should not be demotivated or affected by the hate and trolls. The relevance of trolls is only till the time people are reacting to them. However, if something really bothers you then you should not be afraid of reporting the abuser to the platform as well as the legal authorities.
2. Report and Block
We encourage all the victims to report instances of online hate to their respective social media platforms at least if they don’t want to take it legally. However, there should not be any fear in taking a legal course. Blocking trolls can also help prevent further harassment if there are some specific trolls you know. But for celebrities, this is futile as there are thousands of such profiles who run a coordinated campaign.
3. Document and Preserve Evidence
Keep records of hateful messages and posts as evidence, as this can be crucial in legal proceedings against cyber bullies. You should take screenshots of the profile, and their hate content and where necessary take screen recordings in video format as well.
4. Seek Legal Recourse
Promote legal awareness among victims. Laws related to cyberbullying and online harassment exist in many countries, including India. Victims can pursue legal action against their tormentors. In India, you can also report anonymously if you don’t like to reveal your identity. You can visit https://cybercrime.gov.in/ and report any incidents of cyberbullying or harassment. Don’t forget to attach all the proofs on the portal.
5. Empowerment through Technology
We should promote digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness to empower women and girls to protect themselves online. Learning about privacy settings and online safety practices can make a significant difference. These days there are many scams also going on that specifically target women and then they blackmail them. In such cases you should understand that you are a victim, you should not feel ashamed in discussing it with friends and family, and immediately take police assistance. In such cases, you can call at 1930 from your mobile or landline and report the issue to them.
6. Supportive Communities
Create online support groups and communities where victims can share their experiences, seek advice, and find solace in knowing they are not alone. You can reach out to Team Saath on Twitter and other such profiles that help in dealing with cyberbullying.
7. Advocate for Platform Responsibility
Pressure social media platforms to enforce stricter policies against hate speech and online harassment. Encourage platforms to improve reporting mechanisms and take swift action against offenders. This is tough but if each one of you directly start tagging the social media platform itself in every case of hate then they will be forced to think about their policies and may be they change them for good.
The Power of Ignoring Trolls
While engaging with trolls may seem tempting, the most effective strategy can often be ignoring them. Trolls thrive on reactions and attention; by refusing to engage, their influence diminishes. We believe this is the most effective way to deal with trolls. If you don’t sponsor them with your views and engagement then they will have no other alternative than to switch to their next strategy for getting views and reactions. But if there is some specific person who is doing it for some personal reason then such persons should be reported to all possible authorities without any delay.
Conclusion
Online hate is a scourge that tarnishes the digital landscape and disproportionately affects women and girls in India. However, it is not insurmountable. Through education, awareness, and collective action, we can combat online hate and create a safer digital space for all. By empowering women and girls to stand up against hate, promoting legal recourse, and advocating for platform responsibility, we can work toward a future where the internet is a place of empowerment, not degradation.
Remember, ignoring trolls can be a powerful tool, but when necessary, don’t hesitate to seek help from support networks, report abuse, and engage with the legal system to hold perpetrators accountable. Together, we can build a more inclusive and respectful online world—one that celebrates diversity and equality.
You Can Also Read: The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health: A Call for Change in India
