Social media has helped galvanise a new generation of feminist campaigners, but has also left many high-profile (and, more importantly, opinionated) women open to horrific misogynistic abuse.
This accessible Brighton Digital Festival debate, chaired by New Statesman deputy editor Helen Lewis, questioned whether social media is a feminist’s friend or foe.
Lucy-Anne Holmes, creator of the No More Page 3 campaign, spoke fervently about how online petition site Change.org and Twitter have helped her garner support, while Guardian columnist Suzanne Moore warned about the “divide and rule” tactics of certain sections of the media.
Fresh from winning the Foster’s Comedy Award at this year’s Edinburgh Festival, Bridget Christie was the only member of the panel not to have embraced social media, favouring direct action over “clicktivism”.
But the star of the evening, and proof that the future of feminism is in capable hands, was 15-year-old founder of the Twitter Youth Feminist Army, Lilinaz Evans.
For someone who has yet to take her GCSEs, Lili spoke with the clarity and confidence of somebody twice her age and received the night’s biggest round of applause for asking, “Isn’t this really about equality and choices for everyone?”
The fact the event sold out shows that modern feminism is in rude health. And despite the negatives, it’s clear social media will continue to be an incredible vehicle for change.
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