Protecting the Young Women in Our Lives from Online Dangers

As we celebrated International Women’s Day, a stark reality came to light, one that should deeply concern anyone who cherishes the young women in their lives – daughters, nieces, goddaughters, and friends. The digital world, while offering incredible opportunities for connection and growth, also harbors hidden dangers, and young women are disproportionately vulnerable.

One of the most alarming statistics reveals that a staggering 96% of all deepfakes – artificial intelligence-generated images and videos that manipulate a person’s likeness – are pornographic and target women without their consent. This insidious form of online abuse can have devastating consequences, as illustrated by the case of an Australian law student who, at just 18, discovered that manipulated pornographic images of her were being shared online. This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a widespread problem.

A recent survey highlights that AI deepfakes are among the many forms of online abuse that a significant number of women in the United States face, despite being a relatively new technology. The survey further reveals that one in four women in the U.S. have experienced online abuse, including cyberbullying, doxxing, sexual harassment, trolling, and AI deepfakes. The statistics are even more troubling for young women between the ages of 18 and 34, who experience online abuse at much higher rates than older generations.

This heightened risk is likely linked to the amount of time younger individuals spend online. Research indicates that younger generations use social media twice as much as older generations (80% versus 42%). Additionally, women tend to use social media more than men. This increased online presence exposes them to a greater risk of encountering online abuse.

Data privacy also plays a crucial role. Studies suggest that younger generations are generally less concerned about keeping their personal information private compared to older generations. Having grown up in a digital-first world, many younger individuals seem desensitized to data collection and are more willing to share personal information online. This willingness to share can inadvertently increase their vulnerability to cybercrimes and abuse, as personal information can be exploited by online predators.

Given these alarming trends, what can we do to protect the young women in our lives and empower them to navigate the digital world safely? Here are some actionable steps:

Open Communication and Education:

The first step is to engage in open and honest conversations about online safety. Understand that telling a young person to simply stop posting online is often unrealistic and ineffective. Instead, focus on education and empowerment.

• Privacy Settings: Encourage them to limit who can see their information. Explain how to adjust privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can access their posts, photos, and personal details.
• Online Reputation: Discuss the importance of maintaining a positive online reputation. Explain that what they post online can have long-term consequences, affecting their future educational and career opportunities.
• Identifying Scams and Misinformation: Teach them how to spot misinformation, recognize potential scams, and understand the importance of fact-checking. Encourage them to question what they see online and develop a healthy skepticism.
• Strong Passwords and Authentication: Explain the risks of using weak or repeated passwords across multiple accounts. Encourage the use of password managers and two-factor authentication for added security.

Protecting Personal Information:

The survey revealed that 65% of women who have experienced online abuse were negatively affected by having their personal information online. Online bullies, stalkers, and scammers often use publicly available information to target victims.

• Removing Personal Data: Help them remove personal data from the internet. This may involve contacting data brokers and requesting the removal of their information.
• Being Mindful of Sharing: Encourage them to be mindful of the information they share online. Advise them against sharing sensitive personal details, such as their home address or phone number, publicly.

Providing Support and Resources:

Even with the best precautions, online abuse can still happen. Statistics suggest that if you have four young female relatives or friends aged 7-21, it’s likely that three of them have faced some form of online harm in the past year.

• Be a Safe Space: Let them know they have someone to turn to. Online abuse, particularly deepfake pornography and revenge porn, is often designed to humiliate, isolate, and silence victims. Knowing they have support can help them regain control and fight back.
• Critical Resources: Familiarize yourself with resources that can help victims of online abuse. Organizations such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), and the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative offer support, information, and legal assistance.

Promoting Healthy Online Habits:

Encourage them to engage in offline hobbies and social activities. This can help reduce screen time and lessen the impact of potential online negativity.

• Balance Online and Offline Life: Help them find a balance between their online and offline lives. Encourage them to participate in activities they enjoy, spend time with friends and family, and pursue hobbies that don’t involve screens.
• Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest social media platforms, apps, and online trends popular among young people. This knowledge will help you have more informed conversations with them about online safety.

Device Security:

With all the time young women spend online, it’s crucial to protect their devices from malware, viruses, and other cyber threats.

• Antivirus Software: Install strong antivirus software on all their devices. This software acts as a digital shield, safeguarding against potential infections that could compromise personal data or device security.
• Malicious Links and Phishing Emails: Educate them about the dangers of clicking on malicious links and opening suspicious emails. Teach them how to identify phishing scams and ransomware attacks.

Online abuse is a serious issue that disproportionately affects young women. By taking proactive steps to educate, protect, and empower the women in our lives, we can create a safer digital environment for them. Let’s work together to foster a culture of online safety, ensuring that young women can thrive online without fear of harassment and abuse. Remember, a safer internet for women means a safer internet for everyone.

The digital world offers incredible opportunities, but it’s crucial to be aware of the potential dangers and take steps to mitigate the risks. By empowering the young women in our lives with knowledge, support, and the right tools, we can help them navigate the online world safely and confidently.