Being an activist takes incredible courage. You pour your heart and soul into making the world a better place. But sometimes, the very tools that help you connect and organize can become sources of pain. The internet, while powerful, can also be a place where you face cyberbullying, harassment, and even more serious digital threats.
Imagine this: You’ve just shared a powerful post about an issue you deeply care about. Instead of thoughtful discussion, your notifications explode with hateful comments. Someone is digging up your personal information and sharing it online. You click a link sent by a seemingly supportive follower, and suddenly your accounts feel… wrong.
This isn’t just about hurt feelings. These digital attacks can silence your voice, isolate you, and even put your safety at risk. It can feel overwhelming and make you question whether continuing your activism is worth the cost.
But you are not alone, and there are ways to navigate these challenges. That’s where the DISARM framework comes in. Think of it as a step-by-step guide to help you regain control and protect yourself in the digital world. It’s designed to be simple and practical, offering a clear path forward when things feel chaotic.
Let’s break down how you, as an activist facing these tough situations, can use DISARM:
D – Distance Yourself
The first instinct when facing online attacks might be to engage, to defend yourself, or to understand why someone is being so hateful. But in the heat of the moment, this can often escalate things and take a toll on your well-being.
What it means for you: When the digital noise gets overwhelming, your first step is to create space. This might mean stepping away from your devices for a while. Turn off notifications. Don’t feel pressured to respond immediately. Give yourself time to breathe and process. Just like taking a physical step back from a confrontation, creating digital distance can help you regain composure.
I – Identify the Threat
Once you’ve created some space, try to understand what you’re dealing with. Not all online negativity is the same.
What it means for you: Is it a wave of hateful comments? Is someone impersonating you? Have your accounts been compromised? Are you receiving suspicious messages or links? Try to identify the specific nature of the threat. Taking screenshots and documenting what’s happening can be helpful, not for immediate engagement, but for understanding the scope and potential seriousness of the situation.
S – Seek Support
You don’t have to go through this alone. There are people and resources that can help.
What it means for you: Reach out to trusted friends, family, or fellow activists. Share what you’re experiencing. Sometimes just talking about it can make a huge difference. There are also organizations dedicated to digital safety and supporting activists. Don’t hesitate to seek their expertise and guidance. They can offer practical advice and emotional support.
A – Address the Issue
Once you have a clearer understanding of the threat and have support, you can start to address it strategically.
What it means for you: This might involve reporting abusive content to the platform. It could mean blocking or muting harassing accounts. If your accounts have been compromised, it means taking steps to secure them, like changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. Depending on the severity, you might even consider legal options or involving law enforcement. The key here is to act deliberately and based on the specific threat you identified.
R – Review and Reflect
After you’ve taken steps to address the immediate issue, take some time to review what happened and reflect on what you can learn.
What it means for you: What triggered the attacks? Are there any patterns? What strategies were helpful in dealing with it? Are there ways you can strengthen your digital security moving forward? This step isn’t about blaming yourself, but about learning and building resilience. It might involve adjusting your online presence or security settings.
M – Maintain Your Well-being
Remember, your well-being is paramount. Digital security is important, but so is your mental and emotional health.
What it means for you: Engage in self-care activities that help you recharge. Set boundaries with technology. Make time for things that bring you joy and connect you with your values offline. Don’t let the negativity online overshadow the important work you’re doing and the positive impact you’re making.
The DISARM framework is a tool to empower you. It’s a reminder that you have agency even when facing difficult online situations. By taking it one step at a time, you can navigate these challenges, protect yourself, and continue to be the powerful voice for change that you are. You’ve got this.
