How online abuse in Australia is shutting down crucial debates and damaging democracy

"She should stay in the brothel where she clearly belongs." 

"Being hated is sometimes very well deserved."

"Drop dead, you dirty dog c***."

"Die, Nazi scum."

In Australia, more than a third of internet users have experienced some kind of online harassment or abuse such as offensive language, being sent unwanted sexual material or threats of physical violence. 

In some industries, such as politics and journalism, online abuse is commonplace, and even expected — particularly for women or people from minority communities.

Victorian MP Fiona Patten has spoken publicly about the toll such abuse takes, last year revealing she had deactivated some of her social media accounts after becoming concerned about the wellbeing of her staff, who were having to wade through "misogynistic, violent" comments, including the ones above.

But while online abuse can have serious psychological impacts on individuals, it also has broader implications for a healthy society. With the pandemic exposing deep ideological divisions within the community and a federal election looming, there are growing concerns such attacks are shutting down crucial conversations, pushing out voices, and ultimately threatening the health of Australia's democracy.  Read the full article here.