This article is an excerpt from a paper presented at the Eastern Africa Social and Gender Norms Learning Collaborative Conference. The full paper is titled “Exploring the Dark Side of Digitization: The Role of Technology in Gender-Based Violence” authored by Michael Tugyetwena. Brian B. Mukalazi Talis Consults Limited
Introduction
As we increasingly integrate digital technology into our lives, there’s no denying the multitude of ways it has enhanced communication, economic activities, and overall societal well-being. However, the same technology that serves as a powerful tool for good can also be weaponized to perpetuate harm. One area where this duality is starkly manifest is in the prevalence of Technology-Assisted Gender-Based Violence (TAGBV).
The Forms of Technology-Assisted Gender-Based Violence (TAGBV)
TAGBV exists in multiple forms – cyberstalking, revenge porn, online harassment, and doxxing, among others. A study by Pew Research Center revealed that 41% of Americans have experienced online harassment, with women and minorities being disproportionately affected.
Cyberstalking, where individuals are followed and harassed online, can lead to severe emotional consequences for the victims, from fear and anxiety to depression. Revenge porn, another particularly harmful form of TAGBV, involves the unauthorized sharing of intimate images, wreaking havoc on the mental health and social relationships of victims.
Perpetuation of Harmful Social Norms and Stereotypes
Digital platforms are not neutral landscapes. They can perpetuate harmful social norms and gender stereotypes that contribute to the incidence of TAGBV. Objectification of women in online advertising and media, for instance, normalizes the idea of women as consumable objects, thereby indirectly encouraging aggression and violence against them.
Traditional gender roles are further emboldened by online interactions. Women who assert themselves online against these roles find themselves more prone to online harassment and abuse. For men, a misplaced sense of masculinity can translate into forms of control and abuse online, including cyberstalking and revenge porn.
Impact on Survivors
Technology can be a double-edged sword for survivors. While the anonymity offered by technology can make the victimization experience even more traumatic, platforms such as social media and online communities can offer some level of support and empowerment. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that these platforms do not become conduits for further harm or secondary victimization.
Recommendations and Conclusion
Addressing TAGBV calls for a multi-stakeholder approach:
- Technology Companies: Responsible for improving algorithms to detect harmful content and should be held accountable for their platforms.
- Policymakers: Legislation should be updated to reflect the changing nature of gender-based violence in a digital age. Criminalizing acts like revenge porn and cyberstalking is a crucial step.
- Education and Awareness: Campaigns need to address TAGBV directly, informing the public about its nature and its impact on survivors.
- Community Involvement: Community-based organizations should be supported in providing crucial services to survivors, from legal aid to emotional support.
- Cross-sector Collaboration: Effective strategies to combat TAGBV can only arise from the collaboration of technology companies, policymakers, and civil society organizations.
Technology will continue to play an increasingly prominent role in our lives. While it has the potential for great good, its darker aspects, particularly TAGBV, must be urgently addressed. The responsibility for doing so lies with all of us, from individual users to policymakers and technology developers. The safety and well-being of half the population depend on it.