Going Viral Taught Me the Internet Is Broken — but Fixable | Deja Foxx | TED

Overview

Deja Foxx shares her journey from going viral as a teenager advocating for reproductive rights to founding a digital collective that reimagines online spaces. She explores the challenges of social media, the power of community-driven solutions, and the emergence of women-led platforms that prioritize respect, privacy, and inclusivity.

Notable Quotes

- Social media put me, a 16-year-old girl working at a gas station, on even footing in the public discourse with a United States senator. - Deja Foxx, on the transformative power of going viral.

- We deserve respect for our rights, privacy and safety by design, not as an afterthought. - Deja Foxx, advocating for systemic change in digital spaces.

- In an internet not built for us, we have built narrative and political power, one viral video at a time. - Deja Foxx, highlighting the resilience and innovation of young women online.

🌟 The Personal Impact of Going Viral

- At 16, Deja Foxx went viral after confronting a senator about reproductive rights, catapulting her into public discourse.

- Social media amplified her voice but also exposed her to harassment, threats, and invasive scrutiny.

- She describes waking up to hateful comments and threats during the pandemic, underscoring the emotional toll of online visibility.

🤝 Building Community in Digital Spaces

- Foxx founded GenZ Girl Gang, a digital collective redefining sisterhood online.

- Members support each other through acts of kindness, such as sharing resources, deleting hateful comments, and offering financial aid during crises.

- She emphasizes the power of grassroots efforts to create safer, more supportive online environments.

💻 Women-Led Platforms Revolutionizing the Internet

- Foxx highlights innovative platforms like Archive of Our Own, Lore, Sunroom, and Diem, which prioritize inclusivity, privacy, and respect.

- These platforms challenge traditional tech models by centering women’s experiences and needs, offering alternatives to hate-driven algorithms.

- Examples include anonymous searches for reproductive health on Diem and content moderation through a woman’s lens on Sunroom.

📈 The Internet as a Tool for Change

- Foxx credits the internet for transformative opportunities, from earning a college scholarship to launching her political career.

- She argues that the internet is the new public square, where young people build political and narrative power.

- Despite its flaws, she believes in the promise of the internet and calls for collective action to shape its future.

🌐 Reimagining Digital Architecture

- Foxx critiques the profit-driven models of major platforms, advocating for systems that prioritize respect and community.

- She notes the impermanence of current platforms, pointing to migrations like TikTok to RedNote and Twitter to Bluesky.

- Her vision for the girl internet includes a digital world built on respect, control, and ownership, benefiting all users regardless of gender or generation.