Filter or Feminism: What Social Media Does to Girls - Social Media's Double-Edged Sword: Empowering Girls While Exposing Them to Online Violence
Social media, while offering platforms for expression and community, presents unique challenges for girls and young women. On the International Day of the Girl, marked on October 11, Plan International highlights these issues, with a focus on protecting girls from early and forced marriage by 2025.
Social media's dual role is evident in Germany. It empowers girls with expression and community, yet exposes them to violence, body shaming, fake news, and hate speech. Approximately 70% of girls and women experience online violence, hindering their rights and engagement. Traditional notions of femininity are resurfacing, further complicating the online landscape.
Girls who refrain from sharing their opinions risk exclusion from crucial societal discussions. The pressure to perform and conform affects all genders, with antifeminist movements and toxic masculinity ideals spreading in online communities. This environment can lead to insecurities, low self-esteem, and pressure to conform, ultimately hindering political and social engagement.
On the International Day of the Girl, Plan International illuminates landmarks in pink to raise awareness of girls' rights. By 2025, the organisation aims to protect girls from early and forced marriage. Despite the challenges, social media can still be a powerful tool for girls to express themselves, connect, and advocate for their rights.
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