Charlotte Nau – The Conversation

Real images of violent content used to remain in the internet’s dark corners. Now they circulate widely on mainstream social media. (Unsplash)

July 20, 2026

Most Canadian teens have seen graphic violence online, and algorithms — not searches — are to blame

Alexa Dodge, Saint Mary’s University; Charlotte Nau, Western University; Christopher Dietzel, Western University, and Kaitlynn Mendes, Western University

Eighty-five per cent of teens have seen gore online, but only seven per cent searched for it. Current content moderation and safety features aren’t fixing the problem.

Technology-facilitated sexual violence includes harmful practices such as sexual name-calling, rumour spreading, non-consensual distribution of nudes, and other forms of sexual harassment. (imgix/Unsplash)

October 6, 2025

More than a quarter of Canadian teens have experienced sexual violence online

Charlotte Nau, Western University; Christopher Dietzel, Concordia University, and Estefanía Reyes, Western University

A new survey reveals that almost a third of youth have been exposed to technology-facilitated sexual violence. Better protective and educational measures are needed.

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