Social Media in India, a Tool to Abuse Women?

Bangalore: In an era where social media has lured young and old, it is no surprise that online abuse too has unfortunately trailed into the society. Online abuse, particularly aimed at women is ever-increasing in the country.

Online threats are reportedly the most typical provocation to violence against women. A study by Internet Democracy Project (IDP) "An exploratory study of women and verbal online abuse in India" confirmed the increase in online abuse of women. It said that to be a woman online is just like “to be a woman walking the streets of an Indian city, town or village - is to transgress an unwritten law of patriarchy; to cross over into a space that isn't meant to be yours," as reported Saira Kurup for TNN.

The IDP study found that women faced being called names and abuses online, getting their defaced pictures posted online and receiving threats, etc. The trigger however could be anything from a tweet on rape, to a blog on a politician or a peace process, or even on inoffensive issues and pictures.

Anja Kovacs, director of IDP in India, says, "Threats are being used to silence women. Online abuse of women is increasing in India because more people are coming online.”

Also Read: 5 Prominent Indian Politicians on Social Media
Also Read: Most Dangerous Nations for Women Travelers