corriere.it
Italian Facebook Group and Porn Site Highlight Internet's Transformation into a Space of Power
The recent scandal involving an Italian Facebook group, "Mia moglie," and a pornographic website that sexualized images of hundreds of women without their consent, exposes how the internet is increasingly used as a tool for violating fundamental rights and undermining democratic discourse.
- What are the immediate impacts of this incident on the rights of the women involved and the broader democratic process?
- The women involved suffered the violation of their fundamental rights to privacy and dignity. Their images were used without consent for sexual gratification and profit. This incident also demonstrates a regression in democratic discourse, as the platform prioritizes profit over safeguarding fundamental rights.
- What measures are needed to address the systemic issues raised by this case, and what role can institutions and legislation play?
- To counteract this, systemic institutional action is needed, including preventative measures and regulation of the web's large corporations' monopolies. Legislation like the EU's Digital Services Act provides a framework, but further action is required, such as prohibiting anonymous profiles to ensure accountability and responsibility online.
- How does the business model of digital platforms contribute to the spread of harmful content, and what are the systemic consequences?
- Digital platforms profit from the virality of extreme content, including that which is harmful and illegal. This business model incentivizes the spread of shocking and outrageous material, which undermines democratic debate by prioritizing emotional reactions over reasoned discussion, ultimately hindering collective reflection and self-governance.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue as a 'preoccupying transformation of the internet,' emphasizing the shift from a space of freedom to one of power controlled by digital platforms. This framing sets a negative tone from the outset and focuses on the negative aspects of online interactions, potentially overlooking positive uses of the internet. The use of terms like 'regressive process' and 'impoverishment of public discourse' further reinforces this negative framing.
Language Bias
The article uses strong, emotionally charged language such as 'violare diritti fondamentali' (violate fundamental rights), 'oggetto di consumo' (object of consumption), 'magma indistinto di pulsioni emotive' (undifferentiated magma of emotional impulses), and 'oscenità del mondo' (obscenities of the world). These terms lack neutrality and could influence reader perception. More neutral alternatives might include 'infringe on rights,' 'used for personal gratification,' 'intense emotional responses,' and 'controversial content.'
Bias by Omission
While the article highlights the negative consequences of online platforms, it omits discussion of potential solutions developed by the platforms themselves or other initiatives aimed at improving online safety and content moderation. It also focuses heavily on the negative aspects of user behavior without exploring the motivations and underlying societal factors that contribute to such behavior. This omission limits the article's scope and prevents a balanced presentation of the issue.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy between the internet as a space of freedom and a space of power, neglecting the complex interplay between these two aspects. The reality is more nuanced, with both positive and negative aspects coexisting. Similarly, the presentation of the conflict as solely between users and platforms oversimplifies the complex regulatory and technological challenges involved.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit explicit gender bias in its language or examples. However, a more thorough analysis could explore whether the victims of online abuse are predominantly female, which might influence the overall narrative and necessitate a more gender-sensitive approach.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the sexualization of women