Is the abuse worth it?

A growing body of research suggests women in public life are facing a wave of online harassment that has been amplified by artificial intelligence, deepfakes and coordinated misinformation campaigns.

In this episode of Global Roaming, Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke examine the implications for democracy. If women are increasingly targeted with sexualised abuse, fake images and threats of violence, will fewer choose to enter public life?

Australian journalist and academic Dr Julie Posetti, who led a landmark UN study on online violence against women in public life, explains how AI is changing the threat landscape and why research is drawing links between online abuse and real-world harm.

Former NSW minister Bronnie Taylor reflects on her own experience of abuse in politics and why she fears the problem could deter women from putting their hands up for elected office.

Could online misogyny be reshaping democracy itself? And what can governments, regulators and technology companies do about it?

Guests:

Dr Julie Posetti, journalist, academic and UN researcher

Bronnie Taylor, former NSW Nationals minister and Women for Election advisory board member

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