alien_changeling

I've realized that I've been self-censorsing more and more online over time, and I'm increasingly engaging only in spaces that are specifically nonpublic. My security is probably significantly above average (I do the things you mention plus other things besides), but I still don't trust that I won't be targeted. As I was writing this message, I realized I was self-censoring here for fear that someone would look at this thread for people to harass, so I haven't even asked all the questions I would otherwise. I worry about ceding the public sphere to men, but I don't feel like I have great alternatives. Is there a way to break this cycle?

I also think that these days most of the organization is being done off the major platforms. There are some specific examples I could cite, but won't, of persistent smaller sites that have been doing this for ages. Much of it is also probably happening in nonpublic places, private group chats and the like.

It sounds like the main avenues are pictures (videos are probably even worse) and volunteering information that seems innocuous in itself but can be combined to be something much worse, then. That's good to know! These are at least threats I can mitigate.

How much do you know about the methodology of the adversaries, the places where they organize harassment and doxxing campaigns? Geolocating photos is something you've talked about a lot. What other kinds of avenues of attack do we need to worry about?

In your Wilson Center report and above you talk a little about intersectionality, but not much about LGBTQ identities and being out on the Internet: for instance, the incidents of transphobic harassment you talk about are directed against cisgender women. I've noticed that the online environment, particularly in the US and UK, has gotten much more hostile recently for LGBTQ people. Do you know if there's any evidence that backs up my anecdotal impression? Is there anything in particular that helps limit that kind harassment?