Kristine Marie Pedersen highlights digital harassment experiences among youth in Norway

At just 18, Kristine Marie Pedersen has been navigating the often tumultuous world of social media since she received her first smartphone in sixth grade. Reflecting on her experiences, she notes that while many have been positive, some encounters have been deeply unsettling. She has faced unsolicited explicit images, hate messages, and graphic content, yet she believes her experiences are not unique among her peers. A recent study indicates that nearly 70% of young people aged 9 to 17 have encountered digital harassment or distressing experiences online in the past year.

Kristine has learned to cope with the reality of receiving unsolicited explicit images, even describing it as almost commonplace among her friends. She recalls feeling confused and isolated after being exposed to such content at a young age, despite having a supportive mother to whom she could turn for advice. On social media, Kristine has often shared her opinions only to face derogatory comments, including degrading comparisons.

Through the years, she has transformed her social media habits, becoming more cautious and selective about online interactions. She has deleted Snapchat, which had become focused on amassing a large network, opting instead for a more private Instagram experience aimed at connecting with family and close friends. However, she still finds herself chasing the validation that comes with receiving likes on her posts, recognizing that it doesn’t necessarily reflect genuine affection.

In response to growing criticism of social media algorithms designed to keep users engaged, Kristine advocates for a collective responsibility to foster respectful interactions online, urging both parents and young people to promote a positive tone in digital communication.