Women, Political Expression, and Social Media
Social media has a considerable influence on society in big and small ways. This is true, especially when it comes to political interactions. Social media has also had a broad impact on the opportunities women have to express themselves publicly. While there are more opportunities for women to voice their opinions and feelings online, there is quite often a backlash, and women face a vast amount of online harassment.
Online harassment of women affects them personally, and it also affects the number of women we end up seeing in powerful positions. Social media companies and politicians are taking steps to address these issues. But, if women cannot speak freely online, an essential part of meaningful political and societal conversations goes missing. Standing up against all kinds of online hate is critical, and so is making sure that underrepresented voices can be heard. When people are afraid to speak out in public forums, important points of view are lost, and the entirety of society suffers.
