Filter or Feminism: What Social Media Does to Girls - International Day of the Girl 2025: Protecting Girls from Early Marriage
The International Day of the Girl, observed on October 11, highlights the challenges girls face in today's digital world. Social media, while offering support and connection, also presents significant pressures and hazards.
Plan International marks the day by illuminating landmarks in pink, drawing attention to issues like the spread of misinformation and online violence. A staggering 70% of girls have experienced online violence, including body shaming, which can lead to insecurities and low self-esteem. Stereotypical images of women, often focused on traditional roles and beauty ideals, further compound these issues. Even the most prominent social media figures, such as Marie Lina Smyrek and Tara-Louise Wittwer, can inadvertently reinforce these ideals despite their influence on public discourse.
The pressure to conform is not limited to girls. Both boys and girls face expectations to perform and optimize their online presence. Antifeminist movements and toxic masculinity ideals spread in online communities, reinforcing rigid gender roles and endangering both women and men. Girls who do not engage politically or express their opinions risk exclusion from important societal discussions, leading to an imbalance in perspectives.
In 2025, the International Day of the Girl will focus on protecting girls from early and forced marriage. While social media offers a platform for change, it also presents challenges that must be addressed. It is crucial to promote digital literacy, encourage critical thinking, and support content creators who challenge traditional gender roles and promote equality.
