UNESCO released a report on the 25th, saying that although digital technology can improve the quality of teaching and strengthen learning, it also brings risks such as privacy violations, distraction from learning, and cyberbullying. The report reveals how social media amplifies gender stereotypes and negatively impacts girls' wellbeing, learning, and career choices.
The report, "Technology for Her," warns that algorithm-driven, visual-centric content can expose girls to content such as pornography, glorification of pathological behavior and unrealistic body standards, especially on social media. This can have a negative impact on girls' self-esteem and body image, which can compromise their mental health and well-being.
Citing Facebook survey results, the report said that 32 percent of teenage girls surveyed said that when they were unhappy with their figure, social media platforms "Instagram" exacerbated the feeling. In addition, girls are more likely to be cyberbullied than boys. Available data from OECD member countries show that on average, 12 per cent of 15-year-old girls report having been cyberbullied, compared with 8 per cent of boys.
The report argues that gender stereotypes form a feedback loop: girls are exposed to negative gender norms amplified by social media, are led away from science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects that are often perceived as male-dominated, and are therefore denied the opportunity to change the tools that mislead them by stereotypes. According to UNESCO, women account for only 35 per cent of STEM graduates in higher education globally, a figure that has stagnated over the past decade, and less than 25 per cent of science, engineering, and ICT jobs.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, said: "Children's social lives are increasingly exposed to social media. However, algorithm-driven platforms tend to amplify the negative effects of traditional gender norms. These platforms must be designed with ethical considerations in mind. ”
The report calls for greater investment in education, including media and information literacy, as well as greater scientific regulation of digital platforms. Encouraging girls to pursue STEM education is key to ensuring women's equal participation in digital transformation, and role models should be promoted on platforms such as social media to encourage young women to choose STEM careers. (Reporter Xu Yongchun)
Source: Xinhua News Agency