Chilling or resisting? Exploring the influence of technology-facilitated (gender-based) violence on female feminists in Colombia and Costa Rica

Abstract The shrinking of secure online spaces and incidents of technology-facilitated (gender-based) violence (TF(GB)V) against female feminists have partially led to self-censorship, thereby constricting public discourse. To unravel the impact of increasing TF(GB)V on feminist mobilization, 22 interviews with Costa Rican and Colombian, female feminists advocating for feminist issues, such as reproductive rights, were conducted. All interviewees, advocating for often perceived controversial topics within patriarchal societies, have experienced forms of TF(GB)V, including misogynistic hate speech. In reaction to this violence, interviewees respond in varying ways – some reduce their social media activity, while others develop personal coping strategies. In fact, most interviewees engage in both chilling and resistance mechanisms concurrently. Increased awareness of potential consequences and coping mechanisms of female feminists when experiencing TF(GB)V helps to develop gender-sensitive mechanisms to protect (female) activists and foster a safer online environment. While measures such as IT security training for activists, enhanced content moderation on platforms, and gender-sensitive design approaches are crucial, addressing the underlying issue – the targeting of feminists with violence – is imperative. Without such efforts, there is a risk that affected individuals withdraw from digital spaces, thereby limiting the diversity of narratives that shape public discourse online.