nrc.nl
Increased Downloads of Women's Safety App Following Dutch Teen's Murder
Following the murder of a 17-year-old girl in the Netherlands, downloads of the women's safety app "The Sorority" tripled in the Netherlands and increased significantly in Belgium, highlighting concerns about women's safety in public spaces.
- How does The Sorority app function, and what evidence supports its effectiveness in assisting women in need?
- The app allows users to trigger a virtual emergency button, notifying the 50 closest users of their location. The app receives 700-800 reports monthly, 80% related to street situations, with an average of 10-15 users responding within a minute. Testimonials highlight successful interventions, including instances of deterring harassment and facilitating police intervention.
- What was the immediate impact of the murder of 17-year-old Lisa in the Netherlands on the usage of The Sorority app?
- In the nine days following Lisa's murder, downloads of The Sorority app in the Netherlands tripled from 1,310 to 4,550. In Belgium, an additional 3,820 downloads were recorded, bringing the total to 62,730 users. This surge highlights increased awareness and concern regarding women's safety.
- What are the broader implications of The Sorority app's success, and what role might it play in addressing larger societal issues?
- The app's rapid growth demonstrates a significant demand for safety solutions for women in public spaces and underscores societal concerns about gender-based violence. Its success suggests that technology can play a role in empowering women and improving community responses to harassment and violence, though it is not a sole solution to systemic issues.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a positive framing of The Sorority app, highlighting its increased downloads following a highly publicized murder and emphasizing user testimonials of successful interventions. The headline, while not explicitly provided, would likely focus on the app's success and positive impact, potentially overshadowing any potential limitations or criticisms. The introductory paragraphs immediately link the app's surge in popularity to a specific event emphasizing a direct cause-and-effect relationship that may not fully capture the complexity of the issue.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and celebratory, describing the app as a tool to improve women's safety and prevent violence. Terms like "zusterbond" (sisterhood) and "help" contribute to a positive emotional response. While the app's effectiveness is presented, the article lacks neutral language that would provide a balanced perspective. For example, phrases like "works effectively" could be replaced with "reports indicate a response rate of..." to remain more neutral. The repeated use of positive testimonials might create an overly optimistic impression.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the positive aspects of the app and lacks critical analysis. While user testimonials are included, there is no mention of potential downsides, limitations, or criticisms of the app's functionality or efficacy. The absence of data on false alarms or instances where the app failed to provide effective assistance might mislead readers into believing the app is a perfect solution. The article also omits discussion about privacy concerns related to sharing user locations. Finally, the article doesn't discuss alternative approaches or solutions to improving women's safety beyond the app.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic eitheor framing by suggesting that The Sorority app is a solution to the complex problem of violence against women. While the app may offer a helpful tool, the article doesn't fully explore other systemic factors contributing to the issue or acknowledge other solutions. This might lead readers to believe the app is a complete solution rather than one aspect of a larger societal issue.
Gender Bias
The article predominantly focuses on the experiences and perspectives of women, which is appropriate given the app's target audience. However, the language used implicitly reinforces gender roles by focusing on women as victims needing protection. There's no discussion on the role of men in perpetrating violence or in preventing it. The article should actively address these perspectives to avoid reinforcing stereotypes.
Sustainable Development Goals
The app directly addresses SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by focusing on improving the safety of women in public spaces. The increase in downloads following a highly publicized murder highlights the need for such tools and the app's positive impact on women's safety and security. The app facilitates immediate support networks for women facing threats, countering gender-based violence and promoting women's empowerment. The app's features, such as the virtual emergency button and immediate notification to nearby users, directly contribute to creating safer environments for women and reducing the risk of violence.