Taking Back Control: A New Era for Twitter DMs
For many, especially women, receiving a direct message from a stranger on Twitter can be a daunting experience. The uncertainty of what lies within can be overwhelming, with the possibility of unsolicited explicit images looming large. However, a new app is set to change this narrative.
The Inspiration Behind SafeDM
Kelsey Bressler, the mastermind behind SafeDM, has firsthand experience with online harassment. Her encounter with a stranger who sent an unsolicited explicit image sparked the idea for a content blocking filter. This, combined with her experience with revenge porn, drove her to take action against digital sexual harassment.
The Alarming Reality
Research suggests that 53% of women aged 18-29 and 78% of millennial women have received unsolicited explicit images, many of which are inappropriate photos. This phenomenon, often referred to as “cyber flashing,” has become all too common. Bressler believes that telling women to simply close their DMs is not a viable solution, and that’s why she’s working on a content filter AI to recognize and delete such images.
Teaching the AI
So, how does the AI learn to recognize inappropriate content? Thanks to Bressler’s viral tweet, many users have sent in photos to help train the AI. From dicks covered in glitter to penises in cages, the AI has been tested extensively to identify what makes an image inappropriate.
How SafeDM Works
If the AI detects an inappropriate image, it will automatically delete the image and reply to the sender, informing them that their message was inappropriate. The user will also receive a notification, and after a certain number of strikes, the sender will be automatically blocked.
User Feedback and Flexibility
Bressler and her team are committed to making the filter as flexible as possible, taking into account user feedback. Some users have expressed a desire to manually block offenders, and the team is working to incorporate this feature.
The Future of SafeDM
The content filter is set to be released on February 14th, and thanks to the vast amount of data provided, the team has made significant progress in developing the filter. With an accuracy rate of over 99%, SafeDM is poised to revolutionize the way we interact on Twitter.
A Surprising Twist
In a surprising turn of events, Bressler has received messages from dads, particularly those with daughters, who are grateful for her work on SafeDM. They’re happy to see someone taking action against online harassment, but sad that it’s necessary in the first place.
Accessibility and the Ultimate Goal
Anyone with a Twitter account will be able to use SafeDM, regardless of their phone model. The ultimate goal is to give control back to the community, allowing users to feel safe and confident in their online interactions. As Bressler puts it, “It’s funny how you can take something out of a sucky situation and get a little control over the situation and make the world a better place.”
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