Systemic inequality shapes teens' digital risks globally, with marginalized youth facing disproportionate harms
Original framing: “Our study looked at teens’ social media behaviour in 43 countries – those from disadvantaged backgrounds face greater harms” — The Conversation - Global
In many African and Latin American countries, community-based digital initiatives have successfully reduced online harms by centering local knowledge and peer-to-peer support. These models contrast with Western tech-centric approaches that often fail to address root causes of inequality.
Digital harms are not random or inevitable but are deeply rooted in systemic inequality shaped by colonial histories, economic disparity, and gendered power dynamics.
Indigenous and community-led approaches offer alternative models for digital resilience, while cross-cultural insights reveal the limitations of Western-centric solutions. To address these issues, we must center the voices of marginalized youth, reform digital access policies, and develop inclusive content moderation systems. Historical parallels and trickster insights remind us that the digital space is a contested terrain where power is both obscured and revealed. By weaving together scientific evidence, artistic expression, and systemic reform, we can begin to build a more just digital future.