https://www.nbcnews.com/health/sexual-health/sexual-harassment-goes-high-tech-iphone-s-airdrop-n932326
AirDrop is an iPhone feature that allows users to quickly share photos and files without exchanging their phone number or email addresses but recently it has been a tool for sexual harassment, especially on the crowded New York subways. Attackers are able to send threatening and disturbing images anonymously to anyone within 30 feet. This makes identifying suspects extremely challenging, a main reason why this form of cyber flashing goes largely unreported. The article suggests changing the default settings and saving the images to provide police with evidence.
This article addresses the growing issue of sexual harassment and how technology is unfortunately being used to put people in uncomfortable and, often times, dangerous situations. It was written on November 25 by Avichai Scher. This is a very serious issue and relates to the realization that technology is increasing cyberbullying in young kids as well. The bigger problem with this is that it can trigger emotional stress in survivors of sexual assault. Hopefully this form of assault will lessen and women are able to feel safe and comfortable in the near future.
This is very unsettling, especially as there is no concrete way to defend yourself. It is horrifyingly fascinating to see the many wonders, yet also harm which have been amplified by technology.
ReplyDeleteTechnology, although very useful, can be such a negative creation due to events like these. I wish developers would take into account how troubling some functions on devices could be if it is used in a violent way.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that this was happening. I think many people's first reaction is to say, "Just turn your airdrop off", and yeah, that's possible, but why is it always up to women to protect themselves from men? This just sheds some light on how women are constantly told, "Don't get raped/harassed" instead of telling men, "Don't rape/harass". I'm glad that people are working to fix this issue, especially since with new technology, we don't know what else could cause problems.
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