Stay Safe, Stay Social: Tips Every Woman Should Know

Amidst the proliferation of technology and social media, women must exercise extra caution and take appropriate measures to guarantee their safety and security. The vast expanse of the internet and the anonymity it provides can create an environment that is conducive to the proliferation of cyber bullies and fraudsters. Women need to be proactive in protecting themselves from these threats and cultivating a sense of confidence and security while navigating the digital world.

Cyberbullies are those who use the internet to harass and intimidate others. Women, unfortunately, are often targeted by these malicious individuals. The anonymity of the internet can make it easier for bullies to attack without fear of reprisal.

Clubhouse, a social media app that enables users to participate in audio-based discussions, has witnessed numerous cases of abuse and harassment against women. Three men were arrested for making objectionable and abusive comments against women on an audio chat application. Men often led these discussions, perpetuating gender stereotypes and making inappropriate and offensive remarks toward women.
These incidents gained widespread media coverage and provoked anger and dismay among women’s rights activists and various online communities.

Last July, an app and a website generated profiles of over 80 women by using their uploaded photos and labeling them as “deals of the day.” The objective was not to sell any products, but rather to debase and shame women by sharing their personal pictures.

Women can take several steps to ensure their safety on social media platforms. Here are some tips:

• Be cautious with personal information: Women should limit the amount of personal information they share on social media platforms. This includes information such as home addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Sharing such information can make them vulnerable to online predators, hackers, and cybercriminals.
• Be selective with friend requests: Women should be cautious when accepting friend requests from strangers on social media platforms. They should verify the authenticity of the profile before accepting the request.
• Use strong passwords: Women should use strong and unique passwords for their social media accounts. They should avoid using the same password for multiple accounts and change their passwords regularly.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to social media accounts. Women should enable this feature on all their social media accounts to protect themselves from unauthorized access.
• Report abusive behavior: Women should report any abusive behavior, including cyberbullying, harassment, and threats, to the appropriate authorities. Most social media platforms have reporting mechanisms in place to deal with such issues.
• Be wary of scams: Women should be cautious when engaging with individuals or businesses on social media platforms, especially those that offer deals that seem too good to be true. They should verify the authenticity of the social media account offering the deal and avoid sharing any personal information or making any financial transactions until they are sure of the authenticity of the account.
• Stay updated with privacy settings: Women should stay updated with the privacy settings of their social media accounts. They should regularly review and update their privacy settings to ensure that their personal information is not shared with unauthorized individuals or entities.

Women can take several steps to keep themselves safe on Twitter Spaces, a popular live-audio feature on the Twitter platform. Here are some tips:

• Choose the Right Space: Women should be selective when joining a Twitter Space. They should choose Spaces that are moderated and hosted by trusted individuals or organizations. They should also look for Spaces that have a clear topic and purpose to avoid potentially harmful discussions.
• Participate anonymously: Women can participate anonymously in Twitter Spaces by using a pseudonym or a temporary account. This will help protect their identity and prevent online harassment.
• Monitor the conversation: Women should closely monitor the conversation in the Twitter Space before participating. They should observe the tone and behavior of other participants and exit the Space if they feel uncomfortable or threatened.
• Set boundaries: Women should be clear about their boundaries when participating in Twitter Spaces. They should be assertive in communicating their limits.
• Report abusive behavior: Women should report any abusive behavior, including hate speech, harassment, and threats, to the appropriate authorities. Twitter has mechanisms in place to deal with such issues.

In India’s patriarchal society, some men view women’s participation in social media as a challenge to their traditional authority and power. As a result, they often resort to bullying and harassment in various forms to discourage women from engaging in online activities. This can range from sending explicit and threatening messages to spreading malicious rumors and engaging in cyberstalking.

Such behavior is unacceptable and can have severe consequences for women’s mental and emotional well-being. However, women should not be deterred from expressing themselves on social media and must take measures to stay vigilant against any form of harassment and abuse. They should feel empowered to take on any gender-oriented attack head-on.
Society as a whole needs to recognize and address this issue and promote a safe and inclusive online environment for all.

Farheen Viquas is a professional with a Master’s degree in English Literature. She has extensive experience in writing and editing, and a passion for exploring various artistic endeavors like stained glass, mosaics, and embroidery, among others.