Digest

This episode of Data Points, a new series from Broken Cycle Media, delves into the complex issue of digital violence, a broad term encompassing harmful online behaviors like revenge porn, doxing, cyberbullying, and grooming. The episode highlights the prevalence of digital violence, particularly among young adults and teens, and its connection to other forms of abuse. Statistics reveal that a significant portion of young adults and teens have experienced online harassment, with some experiencing severe forms of abuse. The episode also explores the link between digital violence and other forms of abuse, such as psychological, physical, and sexual violence. The episode examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on digital violence, explaining the concept of generative AI, its capabilities, and its potential for misuse. It highlights the use of AI in creating deepfakes, which can be used for malicious purposes, particularly in the realm of pornography and child abuse. The episode discusses legislative and policy efforts to combat digital violence, highlighting the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPA) and the Report Act, which aim to protect children from online exploitation. It also mentions the Digital Services Act from the European Union, which seeks to prevent harmful online activities and disinformation. The episode acknowledges the challenges in addressing digital violence, including the reluctance of victims to report abuse, societal victim-blaming, and the lack of accountability for social media platforms. It emphasizes the need for increased awareness, education, and legislative action to combat this issue. The episode outlines strategies for combating digital violence, including raising awareness, advocating for safer online platforms, reporting abuse, and engaging in legislative action. It encourages listeners to support organizations working to eradicate digital violence and to utilize the internet as a tool for connecting victims, sharing resources, and holding abusers accountable. The episode provides a list of resources for victims of digital violence, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the right to be, Thorn, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. It encourages listeners to visit the episode notes and somethingwaswrong.com/resources for a more comprehensive list of organizations.

Outlines

00:00:00

Understanding Digital Violence

This episode explores the concept of digital violence, its prevalence, and its connection to other forms of abuse. It highlights the impact of digital violence on young adults and teens, particularly those from marginalized groups.

00:01:42

The Role of AI in Digital Violence

The episode examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on digital violence, focusing on the use of generative AI to create deepfakes for malicious purposes. It discusses the challenges posed by AI in combating digital violence.

00:06:24

Addressing Digital Violence: Legislation and Strategies

The episode discusses legislative and policy efforts to combat digital violence, highlighting existing laws and the need for increased awareness, education, and legislative action. It outlines strategies for combating digital violence, including reporting abuse, advocating for safer online platforms, and supporting organizations working to eradicate digital violence.

00:11:23

Resources for Victims of Digital Violence

The episode provides a list of resources for victims of digital violence, including hotlines, support organizations, and online resources. It encourages listeners to seek help and support if they have experienced digital violence.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some examples of digital violence?

  Digital violence encompasses a range of harmful online behaviors, including revenge porn, doxing, cyberbullying, grooming, and impersonation through deepfakes. These acts often involve the misuse of technology to inflict harm, abuse, or harassment.

• How prevalent is digital violence, and who is most affected?

  Studies show that digital violence is widespread, particularly among young adults and teens. Two-thirds of adults under 30 have experienced online harassment, with 18-29 year olds experiencing more severe forms of abuse. Marginalized groups, including women and LGBTQ+ individuals, are disproportionately affected.

• What is the role of AI in digital violence?

  AI, particularly generative AI, can be misused to create deepfakes, which can be used for malicious purposes, such as creating non-consensual pornography or spreading disinformation. This technology poses significant challenges for combating digital violence.

• What are some strategies for combating digital violence?

  Strategies include raising awareness, advocating for safer online platforms, reporting abuse, and engaging in legislative action. It's crucial to support organizations working to eradicate digital violence and to utilize the internet as a tool for connecting victims, sharing resources, and holding abusers accountable.

• What resources are available for victims of digital violence?

  Several organizations offer resources for victims, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the right to be, Thorn, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. These organizations provide support, education, and guidance for navigating online harassment and abuse.

Show Notes