Can the 'girl internet' fix the toxic landscape of modern social media?

Going Viral Taught Me the Internet Is Broken — but Fixable | Deja Foxx | TED · 9:57 · Video: TED · Watch at the source

In short: Digital strategist Deja Foxx explores the dark side of going viral and the rise of women-led online communities. She argues that we can move beyond the hostility of current platforms by prioritizing privacy and respect in a new, healthier digital ecosystem.

After experiencing the harsh realities of being targeted by social media users following a viral moment at a town meeting, Deja Foxx proposes a shift toward what she calls the 'girl internet.' This movement represents an emerging ecosystem where women-led platforms emphasize community, privacy, and mutual respect over the engagement-driven toxicity often found on mainstream sites.

Foxx suggests that this model offers a blueprint for a better way to exist online, regardless of one's gender or generation. Her insights, shared at TED2025 on April 10, 2025, highlight a proactive effort to reclaim digital spaces and foster healthier interactions.

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