Youth Movement for Digital Justice Gains Momentum Across Europe

Shanley Clemot McLaren's journey into activism began in April 2020 when she discovered a Snapchat account named 'fisha' that was used to publicly shame girls by sharing intimate images and personal information.

This led to the viral #StopFisha movement, demanding accountability from social media platforms like Snapchat and TikTok, which ultimately resulted in better moderation of harmful content. This grassroots effort has paved the way for Ctrl+Alt+Reclaim, a youth-led digital justice movement in Europe, advocating for a safer online environment and greater transparency in data usage.

Young activists are addressing the broader issues of mental health crises linked to social media, with reports indicating a rise in anxiety and depression among users. McLaren, alongside others like Yassine from IGLYO and Adele Zeynep Walton, highlights the systemic biases in tech that disproportionately affect marginalized groups.

Walton's personal loss also drives her to campaign for better digital environments, emphasizing the need for youth representation in decision-making processes regarding digital rights. These activists are not calling for the elimination of social media but rather for reform to ensure these platforms serve the community positively, while also encouraging reduced screen time to foster real-world connections.

As legislation around digital rights evolves, including the recent Digital Services Act in Europe, the movement seeks to ensure that young voices are included in shaping the future of online spaces.