International Women’s Day: “DigitALL” – Why Creating a Safer, More Inclusive Space Online Matters to Women
In today's digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. We use it for work, socializing, entertainment, and much more. However, with the benefits come the downsides, and the internet can also have a negative impact on our mental health, especially for women.
Cyberbullying may be something that we associate with teens in high school, but social media platforms and online forums can be breeding grounds for hate speech, harassment, and other forms of abusive behavior that affect women of all ages. Women are often targeted for their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics. Cyberbullying can have severe consequences on mental health, causing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Another issue that women face online is the pressure to conform to certain beauty standards. Social media is flooded with unrealistic images of perfect airbrushed bodies, filters that create flawless skin, and glamorous lifestyles, creating an unhealthy comparison culture. Women may feel the need to constantly modify their appearance or lifestyle to fit in with these standards, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth.
Moreover, social media has become a platform for "mom-shaming," where mothers are criticized for their parenting choices. Post a picture of your baby in a car seat and you’ll instantly be flooded with criticisms based on where the straps are sitting. Want to show off the cute snack that you made? Comments will be a mixed bag and talk about how the food was processed, how much sugar is in it, or any other number of negative comments. Mom-shaming can cause significant stress and anxiety for mothers, who already have a lot on their plates. It can also create a toxic culture of judgment and criticism that is hard to live with.
Despite these challenges, the internet can also be a valuable resource for women's mental health. Online support groups, mental health forums, and self-help websites can provide a safe and supportive space for women to share their experiences, seek advice, and connect with others who are going through similar struggles. Online therapy and counseling have also become more accessible, providing women with professional mental health support from the comfort of their own homes.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the assets the digital space provides while acknowledging that there is room for improvement. By raising awareness of these issues and being a voice for inclusion, we can create safer and more inclusive online and digital spaces for women. Call out cyberbullying, damaging beauty standards, and mom-shaming. Take mental health breaks if you find it helpful. And seek out the resources provided for women to support their mental health–places like this blog! If you want to read more about maternal mental health, couple relationships, or life transitions, you’ve found a great place here.