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Learn how Expert Voices Together supports experts facing online harassment, offering resources and strategies to foster safer digital spaces. Read more now!
Online harassment is a pervasive issue, but its impact on experts is particularly damaging. When journalists, academics, scientists, and other knowledgeable individuals are silenced by online abuse, the public loses access to crucial information. This chilling effect hinders progress and understanding across various fields. Expert Voices Together (EVT) is working to change this dynamic. Supported by a National Science Foundation grant, EVT provides resources and support to experts facing online harassment, helping them navigate these difficult situations and continue contributing their expertise. This introduction delves into the challenges experts face online and how EVT empowers them to share their insights without fear of reprisal.
Expert Voices Together (EVT) is an initiative supporting experts facing online harassment, particularly when dealing with misinformation and disinformation campaigns. It aims to shift the burden of addressing this harassment from individuals to institutions, fostering safer online spaces for experts across various fields. Funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator grant, EVT initially focuses on journalists, with plans to broaden its reach to other expert communities. The project offers immediate assistance during crises while working to prevent and mitigate the long-term harms of online harassment. Gathering high-quality data on the sources and tactics of misinformation-driven harassment is central to EVT's mission. This data informs the development of educational programs and resources designed to shift online norms and foster a more respectful and supportive environment. EVT combines technical solutions, human support, and community building to combat online harassment and ensure experts can share their insights without fear.
Online harassment significantly affects experts' ability to share their knowledge and contribute to public discourse. It creates barriers to disseminating valuable information, hindering progress and understanding across various fields. When knowledgeable individuals are silenced by online abuse, we all lose out.
Research shows this harassment can be severe, ranging from aggressive personal attacks and smear campaigns to demeaning comments and even violent threats. This abuse can have a chilling effect, deterring experts from sharing their work and insights. The consequences are far-reaching, impacting not only individual experts but also the broader information ecosystem.
Studies have found that misinformation-driven harassment campaigns disproportionately target experts. This targeted harassment undermines public trust in reliable sources and reduces expert participation in critical conversations. Journalists, vital in informing the public, are particularly vulnerable to online abuse. This can lead to self-censorship and a decline in investigative reporting, limiting the public's access to crucial information. The cumulative effect weakens the foundation of informed decision-making. Addressing this issue requires a systemic approach involving institutions and collaborative efforts, not just individual actions. We need a safer online environment that encourages expert participation and protects the free exchange of ideas.
This section explores the origins and funding behind Expert Voices Together (EVT), an initiative dedicated to protecting experts from online harassment.
Expert Voices Together (EVT) emerged as a rapid-response initiative to support experts, particularly journalists, facing online harassment campaigns. The project's core mission is to create a safer online environment for professionals frequently targeted by coordinated attacks. Rebekah Tromble from the Institute for Data, Democracy & Politics explains that EVT strives to shift the responsibility of addressing harassment from individuals to institutions, fostering a collective response. This collaborative approach aims to equip experts with the support and resources they need to navigate online harassment. Learn more about the project's origins and goals from this lecture on building a rapid response system.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has demonstrated its support for EVT's development with a $5,000,000 award through its Convergence Accelerator program. This program focuses on funding innovative solutions to complex societal problems, recognizing online harassment as a critical issue. The NSF's investment in EVT underscores the importance of institutional backing in combating online harassment and will allow EVT to expand its reach beyond journalists to other expert communities, ensuring a broader impact on online safety.
Expert Voices Together (EVT) focuses on supporting people who share their expertise publicly and become targets of online harassment. The program recognizes the vital role these individuals play in informing public conversations and aims to protect them from online abuse. EVT is initially concentrating on journalists, a group frequently targeted due to the nature of their work (NSF). The project provides journalists with direct, human support when facing online attacks, which can include threats, hateful messages, and smear campaigns (LinkedIn, Annenberg Public Policy Center). This support helps create a more secure online environment for journalists to do their jobs without fear. EVT plans to expand support to other expert communities facing similar challenges (NSF). This phased approach allows EVT to refine its support systems and tailor resources to the needs of various groups. For example, working with newsrooms helped shape EVT's pilot project and address the specific challenges journalists face (Poynter). EVT's goal is a more resilient and inclusive online space where experts from all fields can safely share their knowledge and contribute to public discussion.
Online abuse and harassment are pervasive, but they disproportionately affect experts sharing their knowledge online. Think about journalists reporting on sensitive topics, academics sharing research findings, or medical professionals offering public health advice. These individuals often become targets of coordinated attacks designed to silence, discredit, and intimidate them. This abuse can range from hateful comments and threats to doxing and coordinated disinformation campaigns. The consequences are significant, impacting not only the individuals targeted but also the public’s access to accurate information. Expert Voices Together (EVT) is working to change this.
EVT tackles this problem head-on by offering direct support to experts facing online abuse. The project provides resources and strategies to help individuals navigate these challenging situations. Beyond immediate support, EVT aims to build long-term solutions by working with individuals, organizations, and communities to prevent and mitigate online harm. This multi-pronged approach acknowledges the complex nature of online abuse and the need for systemic change. The project recognizes the impact on journalists, who are often on the front lines of reporting and therefore particularly vulnerable. Learn more about the project’s goals and approach on the National Science Foundation website.
One of the most concerning aspects of online abuse is its connection to misinformation. Harassment campaigns often go hand-in-hand with the spread of false or misleading information, creating a toxic environment that undermines public trust in reliable sources. These misinformation-driven harassment campaigns disproportionately impact experts, making it harder for them to participate in public discourse and eroding public confidence in their expertise. Rebekah Tromble, from the Institute for Data, Democracy & Politics, highlights the declining trust in information and the cyclical nature of this problem: experts who counter misinformation often become targets of online harassment, further fueling distrust. This dynamic creates a chilling effect, discouraging experts from sharing their knowledge and hindering informed decision-making.
The Expert Voices Together (EVT) initiative recognizes that combating online harassment requires a multi-pronged approach. Telling experts to "ignore the trolls" simply isn't enough. Real support, practical strategies, and community-based solutions are crucial for safer online spaces. EVT offers a range of resources designed to empower experts and foster positive online interactions.
Imagine facing a barrage of hateful comments and threats online. It can be overwhelming and isolating. EVT aims to change that by providing real-time support to experts experiencing online harassment. This includes access to a secure, rapid-response technical platform and support from trained case managers, as detailed in the NSF Award. Knowing help is readily available can make a significant difference for someone facing online abuse. This immediate support helps experts manage crises, document harassment, and take steps to protect themselves. Beyond immediate assistance, EVT also equips experts with practical strategies for navigating online harassment, including advice on managing social media accounts, interacting with hostile individuals, and prioritizing their well-being.
EVT is developing a secure platform to address the complexities of online harassment. This platform goes beyond simply reporting abuse; it's a central hub for resources, support, and community building. The project focuses on building individual, organizational, and societal capacity to prevent and mitigate harms, as described in the NSF Award documentation. This means developing best practices for online engagement, offering training on digital safety, and fostering collaboration among experts, platforms, and organizations. The goal is a more resilient online environment where experts can share their knowledge without fear of reprisal.
Creating safer online spaces isn't just about supporting individuals; it's about changing online communication culture. EVT recognizes the importance of education and community building in this effort. The project develops educational programs and materials designed to shift online norms and expectations, including changing bystander actions, as highlighted in this NSF Award. By empowering bystanders to intervene and challenge abusive behavior, EVT aims to foster a more supportive online community. These educational initiatives focus on promoting empathy, encouraging positive interactions, and equipping individuals with the skills to identify and address online harassment effectively.
Experts—scientists, academics, journalists—play a crucial role in informing public discourse. Yet, they increasingly face online harassment and abuse, which can stifle their contributions and erode public trust in vital information. Creating safer digital spaces requires a multi-pronged approach, focusing on both institutional support and community-driven solutions.
Organizations are recognizing the need for formal structures and resources to protect experts from online harm. The Expert Voices Together (EVT) initiative, for example, aims to provide direct support during crises while also working to prevent future incidents. The National Science Foundation describes EVT as a project that "aims to support experts in moments of crisis, while also building individual, organizational, and societal capacity to prevent and mitigate harms from online abuse and harassment." This type of institutional backing is essential for developing effective strategies and providing resources that experts can rely on. Institutions can also implement policies and procedures to address online harassment, investigate incidents, and hold perpetrators accountable. This commitment creates a foundation for a safer online environment.
Individual efforts alone aren't enough to combat widespread online harassment. Building a supportive community is just as important as institutional action. The EVT project "emphasizes the need for a multi-faceted approach that combines technical solutions, human support, and community building." This collaborative spirit extends beyond specific projects. News organizations are partnering with researchers and civil society groups to develop strategies for addressing online harassment, share best practices, and create resources for journalists facing abuse. This collaborative approach recognizes that tackling online harassment effectively requires a collective effort, bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise to create lasting change.
Online harassment erodes information integrity by silencing expert voices and creating a chilling effect on public discourse. When credible sources are driven offline by abuse, misinformation and disinformation can thrive. Expert Voices Together (EVT) aims to combat this by providing support and resources to those targeted, allowing them to continue sharing their knowledge and expertise. This, in turn, strengthens the overall information ecosystem.
The project acknowledges the significant impact of online abuse and harassment on experts, particularly journalists (Poynter). EVT recognizes that rebuilding trust in expert voices requires a multi-pronged approach. By offering direct support and resources, EVT helps experts navigate online harassment and maintain their online presence. This sustained engagement fosters trust and ensures valuable perspectives remain accessible to the public. The project emphasizes a combined approach of technical solutions, human support, and community building (NSF Award).
A healthy public discourse relies on the free exchange of information and diverse perspectives. Online harassment disrupts this exchange by silencing voices and discouraging participation. EVT seeks to improve the safety and well-being of experts, enhance trust in communication systems, and foster more inclusive and informed public discourse (NSF Award). By creating safer environments for experts to share their knowledge, EVT contributes to a more robust and informed public conversation. The program also aims to create a system for responding to online harassment that meets the needs of journalists and other professionals facing similar challenges (Poynter). This collaborative approach helps develop best practices and shared knowledge across various fields.
Success for the Expert Voices Together (EVT) initiative isn't simply about immediate results; it's about building a foundation for long-term change. The project recognizes that effectively combating online harassment requires both responding to crises and developing strategies for prevention and mitigation. This two-pronged approach is central to how EVT measures its impact.
Evaluating EVT's success involves tracking several key metrics. One crucial aspect is measuring the effectiveness of the support provided to experts facing online abuse. This includes assessing how EVT resources and strategies help individuals navigate harassment and mitigate its harmful effects. Beyond individual support, the initiative also aims to strengthen the overall capacity of organizations and communities to address online harassment. Gathering data on the sources and tactics of misinformation-driven harassment is another critical component, as highlighted by the National Science Foundation (NSF), allowing for a deeper understanding of the problem and the development of more targeted interventions. By analyzing this data, EVT can identify trends, refine its approach, and ultimately contribute to a safer online environment for experts.
EVT recognizes that addressing online harassment is an ongoing process. The initiative emphasizes continuous improvement through a collaborative approach. A diverse team of scientists, technical specialists, psychologists, civil society, and media representatives work together to refine strategies and tools. This collaborative model ensures that EVT remains responsive to the evolving nature of online abuse. Regular evaluation and adaptation are essential for maximizing the initiative's impact. The Collective Impact Forum emphasizes the importance of continuous learning for achieving collective impact, a principle that guides EVT's ongoing efforts to combat online harassment and create safer digital spaces.
Protecting expert voices online is an ongoing process. The future of online safety depends on a combined approach, using research, community action, and a shift in responsibility from individuals to institutions.
Initiatives like Expert Voices Together (EVT) are developing research-based strategies to combat online harassment. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the project focuses on creating tools to gather data on the sources and tactics of misinformation-driven harassment. This data-driven approach will provide a clearer understanding of the problem, leading to more effective solutions. The NSF award abstract highlights the commitment to providing "tools for gathering high-quality data on the sources and tactics of misinformation-driven harassment." This research will be essential for developing targeted solutions and shaping future online safety protocols. EVT also prioritizes supporting experts when they face online attacks, offering crucial real-time support.
Beyond immediate support, EVT envisions a future where institutions, not individuals, bear the responsibility for addressing online harassment. Rebekah Tromble from the Institute for Data, Democracy & Politics explains that EVT "seeks to shift the burden of addressing harassment from individuals to institutions… based on principles and best practices from trauma-informed care." (Annenberg Public Policy Center) This long-term vision emphasizes institutional accountability and support for those facing online abuse. For a truly effective approach, the project uses a multi-faceted strategy. This includes technical solutions, human support, and community building, fostering shared responsibility in tackling online harassment. The NSF award reinforces this, stating that the project "emphasizes the need for a multi-faceted approach that combines technical solutions, human support, and community building." This holistic approach is key to a safer online future for everyone.
What exactly is online harassment?
Online harassment encompasses various forms of negative online behavior targeting individuals. It can include personal attacks, hateful messages, threats, doxing (revealing private information), coordinated disinformation campaigns, and other forms of abuse intended to intimidate, silence, or discredit someone. It's important to remember that even seemingly minor incidents can contribute to a hostile online environment.
How does Expert Voices Together (EVT) actually help experts facing online harassment?
EVT offers a combination of immediate support and long-term solutions. When experts experience online attacks, EVT provides real-time assistance through a secure platform and trained case managers. This can include help with documenting the harassment, managing social media accounts, and prioritizing personal well-being. Beyond crisis support, EVT equips experts with practical strategies for navigating online harassment and works to prevent future incidents through education and community building.
Why is misinformation so closely linked to online harassment, especially for experts?
Experts who challenge misinformation or share evidence-based information often become targets of harassment campaigns designed to discredit them and undermine public trust in their expertise. These campaigns frequently involve spreading false or misleading information alongside personal attacks, creating a toxic online environment that discourages expert participation in public discourse.
Who can benefit from EVT's resources and support?
While EVT initially focused on supporting journalists, the project is expanding its reach to other expert communities. Anyone who shares their expertise publicly and has experienced online harassment can potentially benefit from EVT's resources and support. This includes academics, scientists, medical professionals, and other individuals who contribute to public knowledge and discourse.
How can I contribute to creating safer online spaces for experts?
Creating safer online spaces is a collective effort. You can contribute by challenging abusive behavior when you see it, supporting experts who are targeted by harassment, and promoting online interactions based on respect and empathy. Educating yourself and others about the impact of online harassment and the strategies for addressing it is also crucial for fostering a more positive and inclusive online environment.
Former Root, EVP of Finance/Data at multiple FinTech startups
Jason Kyle Berwanger: An accomplished two-time entrepreneur, polyglot in finance, data & tech with 15 years of expertise. Builder, practitioner, leader—pioneering multiple ERP implementations and data solutions. Catalyst behind a 6% gross margin improvement with a sub-90-day IPO at Root insurance, powered by his vision & platform. Having held virtually every role from accountant to finance systems to finance exec, he brings a rare and noteworthy perspective in rethinking the finance tooling landscape.
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