Name: Going viral taught me the internet is broken — but fixable
Uploaded: 2025-10-06T14:46:23Z
Duration: 9 min 56 s
Description: Digital strategist Deja Foxx went viral for speaking up at a town meeting — and then learned the harsh cost of being in social media’s crosshairs. She welcomes us to the “girl internet,” a growing ecosystem of women-led platforms that prioritize privacy, community and respect. "We’re building a new, better way of being online, no matter your generation or your gender," she says.

Deja Foxx: Going viral taught me the internet is broken — but fixable

Going viral taught me the internet is broken — but fixable

Digital strategist Deja Foxx went viral for speaking up at a town meeting — and then learned the harsh cost of being in social media’s crosshairs. She welcomes us to the “girl internet,” a growing ecosystem of women-led platforms that prioritize privacy, community and respect. "We’re building a new, better way of being online, no matter your generation or your gender," she says.

Viral moments can propel ordinary people into the global spotlight, but they often bring a flood of online harassment and threats. Instead of waiting for big tech to fix a toxic digital world, young women are creating their own platforms focused on privacy, community, and care. When cyber mobs attacked, a network of girls stepped in with real solutions—from deleting hateful messages to sharing resources and opportunities. Their digital spaces show that a better, more respectful internet is possible for everyone.

Teenage Girls Are Rebuilding the Internet for Safety and Respect

When a viral video put a teenage girl into the national spotlight, she experienced both the power and the dangers of today’s social media. Facing online harassment and a lack of protection from major platforms, young women responded by creating their own digital spaces. These women-led communities prioritize privacy, support, and meaningful connection. New platforms are emerging that challenge big tech’s profit-driven models and imagine a more inclusive future for everyone.