The article published in the editorial section of The Hindu Newspaper talks about unsafe online spaces and how women especially political leaders are targets of social media trolling and other online attacks meant to objectify and sexualise them.
This article begins with the challenges Kamala Harris faces in the 2024 U.S. presidential race after she was chosen by President Joe Biden, who decided not to run. Harris received support from important people, like former President Barack Obama, but her campaign quickly faced online harassment and controversy.
Harris has been heavily targeted by AI-created fake videos (called “deepfakes”) and false information. Even before she announced her candidacy, social media showed memes and videos mocking her. When her campaign began, these attacks got worse, focusing on her race, gender, and personality. One example of this was a fake video shared by Elon Musk, where a manipulated version of Harris falsely appeared to criticize Biden and suggest she’s unfit to lead. It even suggested she was only chosen for her race and gender, labeling her as a “diversity hire.”
The article points out that Harris’s situation is part of a bigger issue that affects women in power worldwide. Women leaders often face more personal and offensive online attacks compared to men, whose criticism usually focuses more on their work rather than their identity. Other female politicians, like Nikki Haley in the U.S. and Giorgia Meloni in Italy, have also been attacked by fake or manipulated online content. In these cases, AI-created images and videos were used to spread rumors or sexualize them.
The article criticizes social media platforms, like Meta and Google, for not doing enough to stop this kind of harmful content. Big tech companies often argue they can’t control what users post. They claim “safe harbor” protections, which means they are protected from being held responsible for what users do on their platforms. But this allows a lot of harmful content to remain, and it often affects women more harshly than men. Although technology is often seen as a tool for empowering women, it can also reinforce existing biases and stereotypes. This makes women even more vulnerable to abuse.
The article says that to protect women online, big tech companies need to do more. They should moderate content better, review harmful posts faster, and take down abusive material. The burden shouldn’t fall only on users to report such content. The article also suggests that platforms sharing this type of material should be held accountable. It points out that more women in tech development roles would make online spaces fairer and safer, as more diverse perspectives could lead to better protection policies.
The article also emphasizes the need for both technical and non-technical approaches to tackle this problem. Technical solutions could include tools to identify biased content and simulations to test for potential risks. Non-technical measures, like laws and policies, could help by making companies more responsible for the content they host.
In summary, this article calls on tech companies, governments, and society to take responsibility for making online spaces safer and fairer for women. The authors argue that protecting women online shouldn’t just be the job of feminists, activists, or social scientists; it’s everyone’s responsibility, especially the companies that profit from user-generated content.
.
.
.
.join our telegram channel for regular updates of The Hindu Epaper Editorial Explanation-https://t.me/Thehindueditorialexplanation
The Hindu Epaper Editorial Explanation given by Hello Student is only a supplementary reading to the original article to make things easier for the students.
In conclusion, preparing for exams in India can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and resources, success is within reach. Remember, consistent study habits, effective time management, and a positive mindset are key to overcoming any academic challenge. Utilize the tips and techniques shared in this post to enhance your preparation and boost your confidence. Stay focused, stay motivated, and don’t forget to take care of your well-being. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your academic goals and pave the way for a bright future. Good luck!
The Editorial Page of The Hindu is an essential reading for all the students aspiring for UPSC, SSC, PCS, Judiciary etc or any other competitive government exams.
This may also be useful for exams like CUET UG and CUET PG, GATE, GMAT, GRE AND CAT
To read this article in Hindi –https://bhaarat.hellostudent.co.in/