Activists Need Protection on Social Media Platforms — Letters that should have been in the new york times

10.13.21

To the editor:

Farhad Manjoo argues that "we can't begin to solve our real problems if we keep getting wrapped up in exaggerated ones" (The Moral Panic Engulfing Instagram Oct. 13 2021). This is exactly how I feel as a young activist using social media to make change while reading the news about social media's harms

Social media isn’t going anywhere any time soon and the general outrage distracts from the actual harms present on the platform that need immediate and urgent solutions. Online harassment and abuse is a persistent reality for many marginalized young folks online- and the resources to deal with it are sparse. Rape threats, objectification, and solicitations for sex are frequently reported by minors using Instagram. As a gender justice activist, online gender based abuse is ever present for me and other activists within my network.

On Tiktok, many activists (myself included) report facing censorship when raising awareness about abuses faced by marginalized groups. Conversations about social media’s harms must center those doing change-making work on these platforms and help activists deal with hurdles we face online. This will allow us to continuing making change on and off line.

Respectfully submitted

Sophie M. Sandberg

Founder, Chalk Back