The Escalation of Online Toxicity and the Pursuit of Healthier Digital Spaces

A significant increase in harmful online behaviors, including toxic cultures, dangerous conspiracies, and organized hate groups, has been observed in recent years.

The extent of responsibility held by social media networks in the proliferation of these issues will be examined, alongside strategies for fostering constructive online communities.

TechCrunch Sessions: Justice – A Panel Discussion

A comprehensive discussion featuring Rashad Robinson, Jesse Lehrich, and Naj Austin will take place on March 3rd at TechCrunch Sessions: Justice.

This panel will delve into the necessary changes required to transform social networks into equitable and supportive environments, rather than platforms that exacerbate societal problems.

Meet the Speakers

Naj Austin is the founder and CEO of Somewhere Good and Ethel’s Club.

Her career has been dedicated to creating both digital and physical spaces that promote intersectionality and equity.

Recognized for her contributions, she has been included in Inc. magazine’s list of 100 Female Founders, named a HuffPost Culture Shifter, and featured in Time Out New York’s list of women improving New York City.

Jesse Lehrich is a co-founder of Accountable Tech.

He brings over a decade of experience in political communication and advocacy to the discussion.

Notably, he served as the foreign policy spokesperson during Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, where he actively countered Russia’s disinformation campaigns.

Rashad Robinson currently serves as the president of Color Of Change.

This leading racial justice organization is powered by a network of over 7.2 million members dedicated to empowering Black communities.

Color Of Change employs innovative tactics to drive systemic change across various sectors impacting Black lives, including Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and Washington D.C.

Color Of Change’s Impactful Strategies

Under Rashad Robinson’s direction, Color Of Change has successfully implemented numerous strategies for racial justice.

These include compelling corporations to withdraw support from harmful initiatives, framing net neutrality as a crucial civil rights issue, and holding prosecutors accountable for injustices within the legal system.

Furthermore, the organization has pressured over 100 corporations to disengage from ALEC, influenced representations of race in Hollywood, and prompted anti-racist policies at major tech companies like Airbnb, Google, and Facebook.

Join the Conversation

Don't miss this important conversation and the broader insights offered at TechCrunch Sessions: Justice on March 3rd.