Social Media and the Harassment of Women and Children: A Growing Digital Crisis

Abstract

The convergence technologies of the Personal Computer, the Smartphone, and the Internet have brought about an unprecedented growth in business, communication, healthcare, education, and governance. They occupy an important place in the lives of people all over the world, irrespective of age, sex, religion, race, or social, cultural, and economic conditions. Despite its inevitability and profound contribution to humanity, social media has been utilized by online crooks in an undesirable manner, dehumanizing women and children. Cyberbullying, trolling, blackmailing, and several other forms of harassment of women and children go on unabated, thereby driving innocent and unsuspecting individuals to severe psychological, mental, and social trauma. The introduction of various cyber laws and legislations does not seem to serve the intended purpose, with online crime continuing to grow each year. It is the need of the hour for all to use social media responsibly, carefully, without disclosing important personal information, and sharing only those things that may not harm

even if they fall into the hands of digital miscreants and lawbreakers.