How Can We Diminish Online Toxicity Through Our Clicks?

TL;DR

To combat online toxicity, we must recognize that our clicks influence what content gets attention. By choosing to engage with positive and constructive media instead of sensationalized clickbait, we can reshape online culture. Additionally, it's crucial to speak out against online abuse and support those who are targeted, turning our clicks into conscious public acts.

Transcript

So recently, some white guys and some black women swapped Twitter avatars, or pictures online. They didn't change their content, they kept tweeting the same as usual, but suddenly, the white guys noticed they were getting called the n-word all the time and they were getting the worst kind of online abuse, whereas the black women all of a sudden not... Read More

Key Insights

• 💻 The Internet can be a hostile place with nasty personal attacks, especially for women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community.
• 💻 Clicking on negative, rumor-mongering content fuels the nastiest impulses in society and perpetuates incivility.
• 🔒 We can change the media landscape by actively choosing to click on positive and constructive content that drowns out negativity.
• 🔒 The way we click and consume media is a public act and shapes our culture. We have the power to decide what gets attention by what we give our attention to.
• 🌍 Increasingly, we are all the media, and our actions online can have a significant impact. We are the new editors, and we can influence what is amplified and shared.
• 🌍 Algorithms play a role in shaping our media landscape based on what we click on, so our choices have consequences.
• 🗣️ It is crucial to speak up and take action when witnessing online abuse. We should not stand by and be passive bystanders, but instead, be heroes and defend others.
• 🗣️ Avoid clicking on clickbait and sensationalized content, as it only perpetuates the problem and promotes a culture of noise and nastiness. Click responsibly to shape the world we want.

Questions & Answers

Q: What sparked the online abuse experienced by the white guys and the newfound pleasant experience for the black women on Twitter?

The swapping of avatars between white guys and black women on Twitter led to the white guys receiving racist abuse, including being called the n-word, and experiencing the worst kind of online abuse. On the other hand, the black women noticed a significant improvement in their online interactions.

Q: Who is more likely to face personal attacks and online abuse?

Women, people of color, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ are more likely to be targets of personal attacks and online abuse. The likelihood of experiencing such abuse is at least twice as high for these groups compared to others.

Q: What did the speaker find on Twitter while writing their talk?

While writing their talk, the speaker discovered a Twitter account with the username @SallyKohnSucks. The bio of this account included derogatory statements, labelling the speaker as a man-hater, a bull dyke, and suggesting that their only accomplishment was spreading their perverse sexuality. The speaker highlighted this as an example of the kind of personal attacks that occur online.

Q: How can individuals contribute to changing the toxic online environment?

Firstly, individuals should not remain passive bystanders when witnessing someone being abused online. They should take action and speak up against such behavior, be a hero, and help drown out the negativity with positive engagement. Secondly, individuals should avoid clicking on sensationalized and offensive content, which only encourages the creation of more of such content. By being mindful of their clicks, individuals can shape the media landscape and promote a more respectful online culture.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• White men and black women swapped Twitter avatars and noticed a significant difference in the type of online abuse they received.

• The internet can be an ugly place, especially for women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community.

• Clicking on and sharing negative and sensationalized content perpetuates the culture of online abuse, but individuals have the power to change the incentive by speaking up and not engaging with such content.