After the results of the 2024 Presidential Election, specific groups have been targets of cyberbullying. Horrific racist texts went out to scores of black people instructing them to go to a plantation to pick cotton. The vile self-described incel Nicholas Fuentes trumpeted “Your body, my choice,” both on his Twitter account and on his disturbing podcast, laughing maniacally at women’s fears. This saying quickly turned into rape threats that men gleefully shared and delighted in upsetting women, especially survivors of sexual violence. Within a day, this phrase appeared on t-shirts and stickers sold on Amazon, boys repeated it in school yards to fellow students and even teachers, and men have been seen wearing this phrase all over the USA, as well as in Canada.
All of the above (and more) happened in the first 72 hours of the election results.
This is going to get much, much worse.
….but people are already fighting back online, and it’s a beautiful thing to behold! I’ve been reading countless posts of women who have moved past their fear and dismay, going into full-blown rage. I’m one of them. Many young women are joining the 4B Movement. They will not date, marry, have sex, or have children with cis-gender men until women have equal rights. Fuck yes. Good for them! Both online and offline activism is needed to fight what’s coming.
(Since I’m a Gen-X, cis-gender woman, I’ll focus on misogyny in this post and let people of color and LGBTQ+ communities tell their own experiences—to which we all should listen & learn.)
Cyber-activism can be one way to not only promote social justice but to also stand up against misogyny, racism, and fascism. On places like Threads, Mastodon, Facebook, Instagram, and (please not the fascist) Twitter (I refuse to call it X), people are finding others in solidarity. Women of all races are coming together, sharing their stories, and inspiring each other to act. Tags like #FAFO (Fuck Around and Find Out), #WeAreTheBear, and MAGAkarma are trending, and rightfully so!
It’s important to stand up to these bullies, these fascists, these misogynists and racists, and doing it online in relative safety is a great place to start—and I’ve already seen it extend out to the real world where women truly have zero fucks to give. From serving their Trump-supporting husbands with divorce papers to standing up to men in shops and on the street for telling them to smile or harassing them for voting for Harris, women aren’t taking it anymore.
Misogynists are entering the FO phase of FAFO. For example, Nicholas Fuentes was doxxed by a group of women on Twitter. They released his address, phone number, and a picture of his house. Soon thereafter, Fuentes was complaining on Twitter about how he didn’t feel safe and that he was too tired to do his podcast.
Boo-fucking-hoo.
He fucked around, and he found out.
Other women are using their dating apps to “call out” cheaters to their wives and use Google’s reverse image search to find out identities of other misogynists, then through some detective work, send screenshots to their wives, daughters, mothers, grandmothers, etc. This is a powerful tactic that can silence misogynists and show them if they fuck around, they’re going to find out too. We’re not going back. We will not stand idly by trembling in fear while our rights are stripped.
No we fucking won’t.
Just in the last week, both doxxing and “calling out” have proven to be effective methods for dishing out some well-deserved social consequences for these fascist bullies. However, engaging in online activism can expose activists themselves to digital harassment, doxxing, and other threats. Here are some essential tips on how to participate in cyber activism while staying safe and protecting your online identity, especially if you intend on doxxing offenders and sending screenshots to their families.
1. Use Secure, Private Accounts
Before you dive into activism, create separate accounts solely for that purpose. Use different usernames and avoid linking them to your personal information, phone number, or email. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Mastodon allow for anonymity if you avoid using personal identifiers.
For added protection, don’t use your actual picture because then others can use Google’s reverse image search, or the more powerful PimEyes, to find out who you are. Use an avatar, random image, or even an AI-generated image. If you plan on catfishing MAGA on dating sites, at the very least, use a photo taken specifically for this purpose from a unique angle—and don’t reuse it elsewhere.
Go a step further and sign up for a secure email account that doesn’t require a phone number, like ProtonMail. The free account should be enough for your purposes, so no credit card or other identifying information is necessary. With this, you can create completely anonymous accounts on social media platforms.
2. Stay Informed on Digital Security
Securing your accounts with two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection. Platforms often offer 2FA via text or authentication apps, making it harder for hackers to access your account, even if they obtain your password. However, if you opt to create an anonymous ProtonMail account, you won’t want to use your phone number.
Learning about encryption, secure messaging, and privacy settings can greatly enhance your safety. Tools like Signal for encrypted messaging, ProtonMail for secure emails, and a reputable VPN for internet privacy can protect your IP address digital footprint. Make sure your devices are password-protected and regularly update your software to guard against vulnerabilities.
3. Use Encrypted Platforms for Group Communication
As mentioned above, use encrypted group chat platforms, such as Signal or Element (formerly Riot) for organizing and discussions. These platforms protect messages from being intercepted by third parties, providing a safer environment for group communication.
4. Protect Yourself From Surveillance
This step is a little more technically advanced, but it is the safest if you’re planning on engaging in more extreme cyber-activism. If you plan on sticking with Hashtag Activism (e.g., #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, #SayHerName, etc.) or TikTok, you probably won’t need to go this far…yet. Who knows what the future holds when it comes to freedom of speech and government surveillance. Best to be prepared!
Anonymous Browsing
There’s a tool called Tails that—when used correctly—can protect you from surveillance and censorship. This will give you a way to browse, communicate, and act with the utmost security. After setting up Tails on a flash drive, you will boot a Linux or Windows-based laptop from it rather than the internal operating system (OS). Sadly, it doesn’t work on Apple laptops, which is what I use. If you’re in the same boat but want the extra protection, consider getting a very, very cheap PC (~$200-300)—but not a Chromebook, as they are not secure due to their connection with Google.
Tails leaves no trace, no history, no nothing. Complete protection. Read more about how Tails works, who it’s for and more on this Cyberexpress website.
Update 12/28/24: My brilliant partner wrote a more in-depth post about Tails.
Device Safety
Speaking of surveillance, be very careful about what you say in front of Alexa or Android-based technology. Alexa, in particular, is an “always listening” device. Who knows how that might be used in the future. As for Android, I know less about, but I know they’re not fighting for privacy the way Apple does. FaceTime and iMessaging are both end-to-end encrypted.
WhatsApp is not, despite what it says. Use Signal.
5. Be Cautious of Malware and Phishing Attempts
Activists are often targeted by phishing attacks aimed at accessing their information. Be skeptical of unexpected emails, attachments, or links, especially from unknown sources. Always verify links before clicking and avoid sharing sensitive information over email or unencrypted messages.
The above should really be done whether you’re participating in online activism or not. Never click a link you get in an email. Never click on a link in a pop up. Educate yourself about this in general, as well as for cyber-activism.
6. Limit Personal Information and Keep Offline Details Separate
Avoid sharing identifying information, like your address, place of work, or contact details, in activist circles online. Consider limiting what you post about your family, friends, and daily routines on your personal accounts if they’re public, as this information can potentially be used against you.
This is another reason why it could be prudent to set up separate accounts and eventually get into something as secure as Tails. We don’t know where this is headed, so let’s learn as much as we can now—before inauguration.
7. Practice Responsible Digital Hygiene
Clear out unused accounts and revoke permissions for apps that have access to your social media. Regularly changing passwords, logging out of accounts when not in use, and avoiding weak passwords like common phrases or personal birthdays are additional precautions to secure your online presence. I know passwords are hard to remember when you use those long ones, so consider a service like 1Password or LastPass to store them. Then you only have to remember one!
8. Don’t Feed the Trolls
While engaging in discussions, be aware that trolls and bots may attempt to derail or incite arguments. Don’t engage with inflammatory comments if possible, as responding can (will) make you a target for further harassment. Use platform tools to block, mute, or report users who are spreading hate or misinformation—but take a screenshot first!
Share your experiences (and screenshots!) with your community for support and consolation. Keep boosting the signal to help others stay informed—the mainstream media sure isn’t doing it.
9. Support Others and Build an Ally Network
Allyship is a crucial part of cyber-activism. By creating a network of like-minded activists, you not only support others but also have people who can assist you if you face harassment. Ensure your network shares similar security values and helps reinforce a positive and safe online space for everyone involved. You can do this by following hashtags and thereby following the conversation and building your community. From there, organize campaigns and tactics that can be executed together for maximum impact—but do so in very secure places, like Signal mentioned above.
10. Know Your Legal Rights
Depending on your location, certain actions against activists may be illegal, such as doxxing. Knowing your rights can empower you to take legal action if someone tries to harm you. Research local laws and consider consulting legal resources to better understand the protections available to you. If you choose to do something that’s on the edge of the law, consider doing it under a completely anonymous account using the tips above for your protection.
Final Thoughts
All this said, if you’re participating in telling your stories, building communities, and boosting the signal for others, like re-sharing doxxed information or Hashtag Activism, you can probably do this with your personal accounts for now—just be careful.
Cyber-activism can be a powerful way to contribute to social change and challenge harmful ideologies, but safety should always be a priority. By taking steps to protect your identity, securing your communications, and acting responsibly, you can create a more resilient presence online while standing up against misogyny, racism, and fascism.
Take breaks from social media regularly. Limit your activity and “doom scrolling” to a set amount of time each day—then adhere to it. Give yourself a palate cleanse and go outside, watch a funny TV show, spend time with friends and family IRL. Remember, effective activism is about consistency and impact, so even small, safe actions contribute to the larger movement.
Viva la résistance!
Christine Rose 
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