Safe Zones and Harmful Tones: Tech-Mediated Paths of Resistance and Reproduction of Violence

This presentation explores the transformative potential and inherent risks of digital technologies in supporting marginalised communities, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Online platforms have emerged as critical arenas for informal education and peer-to-peer support, yet they also present dangers such as secondary victimisation and the perpetuation of structural violence. Drawing on Dr Facciocchi's case study on Quora—focusing on parents affected by child-to-parent violence (CPV)—and Dr. Ugarte's analysis of digital spaces of resistance for LGBTQI+ migrants, the session highlights the dual nature of user-generated content and virtual communities. Emphasis will be placed on strategies to cultivate safe, expert-guided environments and the broader implications for policy, digital literacy, and inclusive advocacy. We conclude with a call to action to ensure digital platforms evolve as inclusive and protective spaces, rather than reproducing harmful societal dynamics.