IMAGINE
AN ONLINE TOOL
FIGHTING TOXIC BEHAVIOR
RESTORING POLITICAL DISCOURSE
STRENGTHENING DEMOCRATIC DEBATE
The digital space is unrelentingly shaping our mental health, politics, and particularly democracy. Despite new laws, increased law enforcement, and the regulation of social networks, the impression remains: too little, too late.
I•AM•REAL aims to break the paralyzing deadlock in the tension between, on the one hand, mental health and strengthening democracy, and on the other, civil liberties like privacy and freedom of speech.
The proposed concept is technology-driven and puts users at the center. The goal is to empower them and provide them with the tools to actively and responsibly engage in the digital space.
THE MANY FACES OF
TOXIC BEHAVIOR
Cyberbullying and Harassment
Cyberbullying
Trolling
Doxxing
Stalking
Online Shaming
Impersonation
Hate Speech and Discrimination
Hate Speech
Racist or Sexist Remarks
Misogyny
Homophobia or Transphobia
Privacy Violations
Phishing
Data Breaches
Identity Theft
Spyware
Tracking without Consent
Deepfakes
Radicalization and Extremism
Terrorist Recruitment
Inciting Violence
Promoting Extremist Ideologies
Political and Election Interference
Misinformation Campaigns
Fake Accounts in Politics
Election Hacking
Foreign Interference
Financial Fraud and Scams
Online Scams
Investment Fraud
Ransomware
Credit Card Fraud
Fake Crowdfunding
Online Pornography-Related
Revenge Porn
Non-consensual Deepfake Pornography
Obscene Material
Misuse of Platforms and Services
Spam
Clickbait
Astroturfing
Fake News
Vote Manipulation
Sockpuppetry
Bots
WE HAVE TO TALK
ABOUT ANONYMITY
In the physical world, we rely on a variety of cues — such as facial expressions, appearance, clothing, age, time of day — to assess situations and evaluate interactions.
However, in the digital space, such contextual cues are absent. Instead, anonymity is the norm in digital spaces. And that is not without consequences.
ONLINE DISINHIBITION EFFECT
In 2004, Prof. John Suler explored how anonymity shapes online behavior and political discourse.
The Online Disinhibition Effect stems from factors like anonymity, invisibility, asynchronicity, dissociative imagination, and reduced authority. These aspects can encourage positive outcomes, such as openness and the ability to discuss sensitive topics freely. However, they also fuel apathy, insensitivity, and toxic behavior, which contribute to escalating psychological harm and an unacceptable impact on political discourse.
If you want to know more about Prof. John Suler and the Online Disinhibition Effect, check out the following links.
PUBLIC OPINION
REGARDING ANONYMITY AND TOXICITY
Numerous surveys reveal that a significant portion of online users feel insecure, even threatened, in digital spaces. These studies also show strong support for increased regulation, media literacy training, and stronger law enforcement.
When it comes to anonymity, up to 60% of users would be willing to share their true identity to foster a safer online environment. However, this is counterbalanced by up to 75% opposing an outright ban on anonymity, due to concerns over free speech, privacy, and potential government overreach.
At first glance, this appears to be a dilemma—but one that is solvable.
The data reflect the situation in Germany but are broadly similar across the EU.
Sources:
Statista Report 2023, ARD/ZDF Online Studie 2023, Bitkom Studie 2018/2021, BMFSJ Studie 2020, Forsa Umfrage Landesanstalt NRW 2019, Safer Internet Day 2021, D21 Digital Index 2020/2021
I•AM•REAL AMBITION
The I•AM•REAL framework seeks to provide a BALANCED solution to the challenges posed by online anonymity and public opinion by:
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Preserving the positive aspects of anonymity,
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Combating its harmful effects on psychological health and political discourse,
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Reducing resistance with an appropriate adjustment of online anonymity, and
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Strengthening civic liberties AND creating a healthier digital environment.
THE USER: PASSIVE. REACTIVE AT BEST.
Various initiatives strive to create a safer online space, from laws and regulations to platform moderation and media education. However, regulations often lag behind, moderation is inconsistent, and media education has only recently gained traction. Amidst these efforts, users are largely confined to a passive role, with limited influence over their own digital environment.
Recently, a surge of private, tech-driven initiatives—many leveraging AI—has emerged to provide users with direct access to legal services when confronted with hate speech. While this is a positive step forward, it remains a reactive approach. Users are still left to navigate an overwhelming stream of harmful content with minimal protection.
What’s needed is a preventive approach that empowers users to actively shape their digital spaces, on an individual level and collectively.
I•AM•REAL AMBITION
The I•AM•REAL framework aims to offer a PREVENTIVE solution alongside existing initiatives by:
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Equipping users with tools to actively shape their digital experience,
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Harnessing technology and AI to support user empowerment, and
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Drawing on individual and collective digital experiences to foster continuous learning and improvement,
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Similar to democracy.
