Digital violence & hidden threats of online age

The rapid proliferation of digital technology and social media has transformed the way societies communicate, learn, and engage with the world. Instant messaging, online learning platforms, and social media networks have become integral to daily life, offering unprecedented opportunities for connection and knowledge sharing. Yet, as the digital environment expands, so too does the potential for harm. Among the most pressing challenges of this new era is digital violence, a phenomenon that remains poorly understood by many, despite its pervasive impact. Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud has drawn attention to this issue, emphasising the urgent need for awareness and action as part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Digital violence encompasses a wide range of online behaviours that cause harm, including cyberstalking, harassment, bullying, and identity-based attacks. These actions often occur in ordinary online interactions, making them easy to overlook or dismiss. What is particularly concerning is the subtlety of these threats; while many individuals may experience harassment or intimidation online, they may not recognise these incidents as forms of digital violence. The lack of understanding surrounding the concept contributes to its persistence, leaving victims without the knowledge or tools to protect themselves or seek recourse.
The evolving nature of digital technology has introduced new, more complex forms of abuse. Artificial intelligence, while offering tremendous potential for innovation, has also created avenues for exploitation. AI-powered tools can now be misused to impersonate others, steal identities, and disseminate harmful content. Individuals can find their images, likenesses, or personal information manipulated and published without consent, leading to serious reputational and emotional consequences. One of the most alarming manifestations is the creation of manipulated images, instances in which an individual’s face is placed onto another person’s body or inserted into fabricated scenarios. These acts, often referred to as “deepfakes”, inflict real harm on both public figures and private citizens alike, demonstrating that digital violence can affect anyone, regardless of social standing.
While social media provides significant advantages in communication, education, and civic engagement, its darker dimensions cannot be ignored. The realism of manipulated content, combined with the reach and speed of digital platforms, can make deception difficult to detect, amplifying the risk of harm. Awareness campaigns, such as those initiated by the Ministry of Human Services, play a critical role in equipping citizens with the knowledge to identify, report, and prevent digital abuse. Such campaigns are essential in creating a digitally-literate public capable of navigating online spaces safely and responsibly.
The sharing of images or videos without full awareness of potential consequences places young people at risk of exploitation and long-term harm. Content shared online can persist indefinitely, even after deletion, making responsible digital behaviour and education critical. Parents, guardians, and community leaders must engage young people in discussions about consent, privacy, and the permanence of online activity to ensure they understand both the benefits and risks of digital participation.
Women are frequently targeted for harassment, stalking, and image-based abuse, with attackers exploiting gender as a means of intimidation. Cyberattacks, identity theft, and the spread of misinformation are often employed to silence or harm women, highlighting the intersection between technology and systemic inequalities.
Laws that criminalise identity theft, harassment, and image-based abuse are essential for holding perpetrators accountable. Digital platforms, too, bear responsibility for safeguarding users, implementing content moderation, security measures, and educational initiatives to prevent abuse. The combined effort of legislation, technology, and education is vital to reducing the incidence of digital violence.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign underscores the importance of public awareness in confronting digital violence. While connectivity has enriched lives, the potential for abuse is ever-present, necessitating a proactive and informed approach. Individuals, communities, and institutions must recognise that digital violence is not an abstract concept but rather a tangible threat with lasting consequences. Understanding, addressing, and preventing such abuse is essential to ensuring that the advantages of the digital age are not undermined by its risks.