I enjoy posting pictures and sharing content on Instagram, but I always do it cautiously. My private account feels like a safer space since I carefully choose who can see my posts, but even then, I am careful. I do have a public account where I post under a pen name, yet I’m always consciously aware of what I share. There’s always a lingering fear what if my pictures are stolen or misused? What if my thoughts are criticized or twisted into something I never intended? I want to post freely, without overthinking every detail, but I can’t. Even in the “safe” digital space I’ve tried to create, there’s no real guarantee of safety. Sadly, this isn’t just my experience; it’s a reality faced by countless women worldwide.
The internet has become a significant part of our lives, offering a platform for self-expression, learning, and connection. But for women, especially Gen Z, it’s also a space filled with challenges. Online harassment, stalking, cyberbullying, and identity theft are alarmingly common. According to a study by the National Commission for Women, 54.8% of women have experienced cyber harassment, while 26% of them have reported cases of morphed images or videos. Moreover, cybercrime has also had a significant economic impact on women, with many losing jobs or experiencing financial losses due to online fraud.
Women who step into public-facing careers or advocacy roles often face even more scrutiny. A striking example of this is Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu, who faced relentless online trolling for her weight gain after winning the title. Despite her achievements and the positive messages she shared about self-love and body positivity, she was subjected to widespread criticism and body-shaming on social media. Harnaaz courageously addressed the issue, explaining that her weight gain was due to a medical condition, but the abuse she endured highlights the intense scrutiny women in public-facing roles face. The impact of online harassment is not just emotional but has real-world consequences, with some women experiencing anxiety, depression, or a loss of confidence as a result of cyberattacks on their reputations.
The fear of being judged or targeted often shapes how women interact online. Many of us hear things like, “Why are you posting your pictures online? Isn’t that asking for trouble?” or “Stay away from social media if you don’t want issues.” Such remarks not only shift the blame onto women but also silence them. It forces us to think twice before sharing anything, making even simple acts like posting a photo or expressing an opinion feel risky.
Privacy, which should be a given, is a constant battle. A woman shared how a harmless picture she posted with friends on her private account was stolen, edited, and used inappropriately by someone she knew. The incident left her shaken, while her parents blamed her for posting the picture. Despite filing a complaint, she felt like justice was out of reach. Stories like these aren’t rare. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), one in four people who experience cybercrime in India are women. In 2019, cybercrime incidents increased by 18.4% overall, and cybercrime against women increased by 28%.
including influencers and journalists, shared their experiences. They spoke about the constant threats and relentless trolling they face for simply expressing their thoughts. They explained that, as long as you conform to societal narratives, you might endure online spaces a little longer, but even then, there’s no guarantee of feeling digitally safe. The speakers also revealed that this fear extends beyond them to their families, as online abusers often target loved ones, making the digital world even more riskier.
For Muslim women, this anxiety takes on an even more intense form. Online platforms become spaces where our faith, identity, and beliefs are often questioned or ridiculed. Muslim women who wear hijabs or follow other Islamic practices are frequently targeted because of their visible religious identity. For instance, an article I wrote for Youth Ki Awaaz about my experience of exclusion while wearing a hijab received a comment claiming that Muslim women deserve discrimination and accusing hijabis of promoting “love jihad.” While I wasn’t personally offended by the comment, it was a small glimpse into the misinterpreted hate that often escalates into brutal messages and threats that women receive online. Incidents like the “Sulli Deals” and “Bulli Bai” tech tools, where Muslim women’s pictures were auctioned without consent, were not just shocking but terrifying. The violation of privacy and dignity was blatant, yet many victims felt abandoned by the system. One victim shared how she was repeatedly told to “ignore it” or to “delete her account,” as though the solution lay in erasing her digital existence.
The rise of AI and deepfake technology has worsened the situation. India has recorded 37% of cases related to the harassment of women due to morphed images, also known as deepfakes. Explicit deepfake videos of Indian actresses have circulated online, despite being fabricated. The emotional and professional damage caused by such videos can be devastating. Similarly, Rana Ayyub, an Indian journalist who spoke out against the government’s response to the rape of an eight-year-old girl, was targeted with a deepfake video as part of a coordinated hate campaign. AI tools, once celebrated for their innovation, are now being weaponized, making women increasingly vulnerable to new forms of abuse.
This growing threat has prompted many women to seek ways to protect themselves. A lot of Gen Z women are now more cautious about what they share online, fully aware of the dangers of digital footprints. While privacy settings and security features are readily available, many women still feel like they don’t have full control over their online identities. In response, women like me turn to pseudonyms, use private profiles, and share content only within small, trusted circles. However, even these precautions don’t always work.
The numbers speak volumes. A survey by Amnesty International found that 38% of Indian women have faced online abuse for expressing opinions on politics, gender, or human rights. This silencing effect discourages women from participating in important conversations, effectively erasing their voices.
Cultural expectations add another layer of difficulty for women, both in the real world and in digital spaces. Women are often told to behave a certain way, even online. For example, a young woman faced backlash from her relatives after posting pictures from a solo trip, with comments like, “Girls shouldn’t attract attention,” as though her photos were an invitation for criticism. This mindset makes online platforms feel less like spaces of freedom and more like areas that require constant monitoring. Furthermore, the intersectionality of gender, race, and religion deepens the issue. Women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from marginalized communities are disproportionately targeted by online abuse. For them, the internet often becomes a hostile environment where their identities are exploited to fuel hateful agendas, amplifying their vulnerability and silencing their voices.
As we look toward the future, ensuring digital safety for women requires urgent action. Governments, tech companies, and online platforms must take greater responsibility in addressing these threats. Policy changes, stronger laws against online harassment, and tools to combat deepfakes are essential for creating safer digital spaces. Education on digital literacy and online safety must also be prioritized so that women are better equipped to protect themselves.
The online world has become an integral part of our lives, but finding the balance between expression and safety remains a challenge for women. As more young women take to social media to share their stories and raise their voices, it’s vital to remember that their security should never be compromised. When women with privileges whether they are celebrities or public figures can be so easily harassed and exploited through such technology, it raises an even more daunting question: What will happen to ordinary citizens who lack the visibility or resources to protect themselves?
While influential women may have the means to take legal action or publicize their struggles, many women, especially those in vulnerable or marginalized communities, are left powerless in the face of such digital abuse. By raising awareness, advocating for better policies, and empowering women with the right tools, we can work toward a digital space where women can truly thrive without fear. Can we ensure that every woman, regardless of her background, is given the digital safety and freedom to express herself without fear of exploitation?