Motion no: 23
This online hate speech and abuse conference notes the high level of abuse on social media platforms.
Much of that abuse is gender based. In Northern Ireland women journalists have been subjected to vile treatment. Sectarian, homophobic, and racist abuse is also a frequent feature of debates and discussions on Northern Ireland.
Elected representatives, media workers and trade union activists are among those who are most frequently the targets of online abuse.
While engagement in social media can be a positive experience, assisting in the promotion of trade union values and campaigns, the activities of trolls can serve as a deterrent to engagement in the public realm.
Conference calls on the incoming Northern Ireland committee to develop a training programme aimed at promoting positive engagement by union members with social media while assisting unions to deal with.
