Online Misogyny in India: How Social Media Became a Battlefield for Women
Over the last few years, social media has been a powerful tool for professional growth, self-realization, and activism. But for Indian women, it has also been a cyber war zone of gender violence, abuse, and misogyny. The anonymity and global nature of the internet have given abusers a sense of audacity and impunity to continue their online crimes, making the net unsafe and threatening places for women.
Types of Online Misogyny
1. Internet Trolling and Harassment: Sexist trolling, rape threats, and death threats against women reporters, activists, and public personalities are the order of the day, with most becoming self-censored or driven offline.
2. Deepfake and Revenge Porn: Misuse of AI-based deepfake technology has seen nude and doctored images circulated in an attempt to shame and blackmail women.
3. Doxxing and Privacy Violation: One’s address and number are made available online in order to frighten and terrorize women.
4. Body Shaming and Hate Speech: Women are continually criticized with everything from looks, personality, and opinions.
Effects on Indian Women
- Mental Health Issues: Being compelled to undergo incessant hate on the internet leads to stress, anxiety, and trauma.
- Self-Censorship: The majority of women restrict their online presence to escape harassment and thus restrict their freedom of speech and careers.
- Legal and Social Implications: India has passed legislation such as the IT Act and sections of the IPC that criminalize cyber harassment, but the law is weak in enforcement, and the victim has very little remaining options.
Combating Online Misogyny
- Enhanced Legal Provisions: Online harassment should have a higher penalty, and immediate action should be taken against such perpetrators.
- Tech Platform’s Role: Social networking sites must tighten content moderation, facilitate easy reporting, and shut down abusive handles.
- Cyber Literacy and Awareness: Creation of awareness around cyber security, privacy settings, and the legal system will make women internet-secure.
- Collective Action: Activists, activists, and allies will need to continue to push toward making online spaces safer through campaign and policy activism.
Conclusion: Cyber misogyny is a pressing issue that threatens Indian women’s online freedom and safety. Some things have improved, but much work remains to take back social media as an empowering and inclusive sphere. Through calling out technology companies, drafting laws of protection, and fostering respect culture, we can work toward making the web a safer world for all.
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