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What does the recent study reveal about Instagram's handling of abusive comments?
The study found that Instagram failed to remove 93% of abusive comments aimed at female politicians in the US. Out of 1,000 flagged comments, 926 remained visible a week after being reported, highlighting significant shortcomings in the platform's moderation practices.
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How does this issue affect female politicians specifically?
Female politicians, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, face heightened levels of gendered and racial abuse on social media. The study emphasizes that this abuse not only undermines their safety but also affects their ability to engage in political discourse effectively.
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What steps can be taken to improve the situation?
To improve the situation, experts suggest that Instagram must enforce its existing policies more rigorously. This includes better moderation of reported comments and implementing more robust measures to protect users from online hate, particularly targeting marginalized groups.
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What are the broader implications of this study?
The findings of this study raise concerns about the integrity of political discourse on social media. If platforms like Instagram fail to address abusive comments, it could discourage women from participating in politics and diminish the quality of public debate.
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What actions have been taken by female politicians in response to this issue?
In response to the ongoing abuse, some female politicians have called for stronger regulations on social media platforms. They advocate for accountability from companies like Meta to ensure a safer online environment for all users, especially those in public service.