Earlier this month, police reported that 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf was shot dead by a man who had been repeatedly contacting her online. This tragic incident, involving a Pakistani teenager with over one million followers on social media platforms including TikTok and Instagram, has reignited concerns about online personal safety, especially for young women in Pakistan.
Efforts to maintain a presence on social media, despite online harassment and stalking, is common for many social media users. Hira Zainab, an Instagram user since 2017 and a content creator, shared how she has encountered instances where her online presence led to real-life encounters. She has faced messages from strangers who were provoked by her online content, and she’s not alone.
The murder of Sana Yousaf is unfortunately not an isolated event. Other incidents have heightened concerns over the safety of women in the digital space. Protesters have taken to the streets demanding justice for Sana and increased safety measures for women online.
Digital rights organizations have reported that a significant portion of the online harassment complaints in Pakistan are filed by women. While these complaints often address the surface-level issues, there is a deeper concern about the patriarchal norms permeating society, which contribute to the problem.
Women who are visible online, whether talking about politics, society, or simply occupying digital space, are often seen as threats to societal norms. Harassment is common, with many women facing hate comments, rape threats, and even death threats.
However, there are also examples of women using social media to connect with others globally, collaborate on creative projects, and raise awareness on important issues such as mental health and gender violence. Supporting these women and addressing the systemic issues that enable harassment is crucial for enhancing online safety and respect for all.
Social media platforms have tools to prevent and mitigate harassment, including reporting mechanisms and advanced blocking features, but these are not always effective. The Digital Rights Foundation and other organizations are working to provide support and push back against online harassment, advocating for a safer digital environment.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/for-women-in-pakistan-social-media-can-be-dangerous/a-73060858?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
