Last Updated on 23/09/2023 by Emma Purcell
The disability equality charity Scope has released new research conducted through Opinium Ltd that lifts the lid on the scale of online trolling and abuse that disabled people face.
As part of the biggest ever survey of disabled peoples’ experience of negative attitudes, 2,912 disabled people told us specifically about their social media and gaming experiences:
- More than half of disabled people (53 per cent) have seen negative comments about disabled people or disability on social media or online gaming over the last five years.
- 1 in 3 disabled people (34 per cent) who use social media or game online have experienced people online making negative comments about them and their conditions or impairments [2].
- Worryingly, almost half (47 per cent) of disabled 18- to 34-year-olds have experienced negative comments about disabled people and disability.
- 3 in 10 disabled people (29 per cent) have experienced targeted online bullying or trolling because they are disabled or have, conditions or impairments [3].
Scope published these new findings last week (20th July) as comedian Rosie Jones shared her own experiences of online hate in a Channel 4 documentary.
Calling for tougher measures to tackle online trolling toward disabled people
The charity is calling for social media companies, regulators and authorities to step up and come down hard on hate and abusive behaviour.
James Taylor, Director of Strategy at disability equality charity Scope said:
“Social media can be brilliant for disabled people, enabling us to share our stories and connect with others all over the world.
But too often disabled people receive abuse, experience bullying and are trolled because of who they are. Our research has found it’s incredibly common, and easy, for people to post anonymous horrific comments, ableist abuse and hurtful remarks.
The consequences can be devastating. Making the places where we want to feel safe the complete opposite. It’s also devastating for society, reinforcing outdated attitudes and prejudices.”
He added: “One in four of us are disabled in the UK and we all deserve to feel safe online. We need to see far greater action from social media companies, regulators and authorities to tackle the hate and abusive behaviour posted on their platforms.”
The effects of online trolling for disabled people
Disabled people told Scope what had affected them most on social media:
- “Being told online that I need to buck my ideas up and stop scrounging off the state. Made me feel devalued and rejected.”
- “A neighbour made a social media post about me saying I’ve no idea about mental health illness and I’m faking.”
- “On Twitter people often tweet horrible things about disabled people.”
- “Being bullied by people online for having depression. Made me feel awful and inferior.”
Have you experienced online trolling and ableist comments? Share your stories in the comments box or on social media.
