INCLUSIVITY AND SECURITY: PRESERVING THE DIGITAL RIGHTS OF BLACK WOMEN

Abstract

Online trolling and digital violence have become pervasive problems, especially towards Black women on social media platforms such as Twitter. Yet, there is a lack of care and concern for the safety of Black women on social media and their abusive experiences being handled poorly. Addressing these issues, this study employs the Muted Group Theory to explore the experiences of Black women on social media. The research intends to find strategies that Black women are utilizing to cope with online abuse and to suggest measures that can be implemented by social media sites to regulate and punish policy violations. The study utilizes qualitative research methods such as literature reviews, focus groups, and individual interviews to gather data. Research indicates that online harassment targeting women is increasing, and Black women are impacted the most. The study intends to change the current safety policies on Twitter and generate effective ways to combat online harassment to promote a safer online environment for Black women. The findings of this study will highlight the need for a safer online community where all women can feel protected from abuse