Social media has many positives, but its darker side continues to pose significant challenges.
WNBA star Angel Reese has decided to confront these problems head-on with a groundbreaking anti-cyberbullying initiative.
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Her efforts have gained widespread attention, even earning a special shoutout from soccer legend Megan Rapinoe.
In the third episode of her podcast, A Touch More, Megan Rapinoe, co-hosted by Sue Bird, discussed Reese’s initiative.
Rapinoe addressed the growing issue of bots on social media and urged athletes, particularly women, to join the fight against cyberbullying.
“When you go on the comments it’s gross in there, especially for women,” Rapinoe emphasized.
“No matter what kind of woman you are, how you present, or what you look like, you’re going to get hate for something.”
Rapinoe encouraged everyone to avoid taking hateful comments personally and to understand the toll they can take on mental health.
As someone who continues to face online abuse, Rapinoe could relate to the emotional impact such behavior has on individuals.
Rapinoe also urged those who post hateful comments to reconsider their actions, reminding them that their words have real consequences.
“You don’t have to be so hateful. This is a sport; relax a little bit,” Rapinoe advised.
She praised Reese for using her platform to address these issues, especially given the racism, sexism, and homophobia female athletes face.
Angel Reese’s Anti-Cyberbullying Campaign
Angel Reese‘s initiative, Block the Negativity, Post Up Positivity, aims to reduce online harassment and protect the mental well-being of athletes.
She has partnered with The Net, a mental health network focused on women in sports, and the agency BarkleyOKRP to create an innovative AI-powered tool.
This application identifies harmful comments on social media and replaces them with a positive message, “Negativity Blocked.”
This tool allows athletes to stay focused on their game without being distracted by hateful comments.
Currently in beta testing with Chicago Sky players, the project has already gained momentum.
A video on the team’s official YouTube channel features Reese confronting negative comments directed at her, highlighting the emotional strain such harassment can cause.
The video ends with a powerful statistic: 87 percent of female athletes have experienced online abuse in the past year.
Angel Reese‘s anti-cyberbullying initiative is more than just a tool; it’s a movement to protect athletes from the damaging effects of online abuse.
By leveraging her platform and collaborating with organizations like The Net, Reese is leading the charge in changing the way female athletes experience social media.
Megan Rapinoe‘s endorsement of the project is a testament to its significance and the positive impact it could have on the sports community.
